35 Years of CNDH: Morocco Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights
This week, the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) marks that turning point. The anniversary speaks not only to the passage of time, but to the country's steady shift toward greater accountability, justice, and rights protection.
The Council's president, Amina Bouayach, sees this moment as more than symbolic. 'We are looking back on a path of transformation, but also of construction. Morocco changes constantly, so must we,' she said.
What began as a modest advisory body has grown into a constitutional institution with regional branches and a far-reaching mandate.
Since 2018, the Council has operated with expanded powers to address violations, support victims, and defend freedoms.
Morocco had already taken this path in the early 1990s, three years before the UN adopted the Paris Principles that define how human rights institutions should function.
That early move, Bouayach said, reflected a national decision to address past abuses and build a system based on truth, justice, and reconciliation. The country marked the 20th anniversary of that process earlier this year.
Over the years, the Council has played a role in major reforms: from restructuring the justice system and revising the Constitution to observing elections and launching discussions around Morocco's Family Code. 'We are not outside of national dynamics, we stand in the middle of them,' Bouayach explained.
Under the slogan '35 Years: Rights. Freedoms. Effectiveness', the Council plans to mark the anniversary throughout 2025. The goal is to reinforce the rule of law, support victims where needed, and ensure that rights do not remain theoretical but become real and enforceable.
Morocco's human rights body asserts that it stands on principles of independence and accountability. But it also carries a story, one of political will, institutional learning, and the belief that no reform holds weight unless it protects human dignity. Tags: CNDHCNDH Morocochuman rightsmorocco human rights
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Morocco's Amina Bouayach Named Among Africa's Most Inspiring Women
Amina Bouayach, President of Morocco's National Human Rights Council (CNDH), has earned recognition on Pour Elle's 2025 list of '50 Inspiring African Women.' In the 2025 list, Bouayach features along with nine other inspiring African activist women and has been selected for her dedication to defending human rights, equality, and social justice throughout her career in Morocco. 'Pour Elle' celebrates African women with lasting impacts The African media platform 'Pour Elle' focuses on women's and girls' issues across Africa. This year's honorees list marks International African Women's Day 2025. The platform has a mission of celebrating prominent African women who leave lasting impacts on their communities and the continent. This year's list features African women from 20 African countries and African diaspora communities abroad. The honorees have demonstrated a growing influence of female leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive future for the African continent. The theme of this year, 'African Women Active in Achieving Justice and Reparations for an Inclusive Africa,' honors women who take the lead in change in politics, economics, business, activism, culture, arts, and society. Bouayach's achievements and legacy Bouayach has devoted her life to defending human rights, human dignity, and fundamental freedoms at national, regional, African, and international levels. Today, she stands as one of Africa's prominent human rights voices and serves as an active figure within the network of leading African women. This latest recognition adds to the Moroccan human rights female activist's series of significant achievements in 2025. In March, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) elected her as president by unanimous vote, cementing her position as a leading voice in the global human rights community. Earlier in the year, Bouayach received the 2025 Mediterranean Foundation Award for her contributions to promoting human rights both in Morocco and internationally. King Mohammed VI reappointed Bouayach as president of Morocco's CNDH in March 2025, marking a continuation of her leadership role that began in December 2018. Tags: Amina BouayachCNDHPour Elle
Morocco World
7 days ago
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI Marks 26 Years of Reform, Global Leadership
Rabat — Twenty-six years ago today, King Mohammed VI became the 23rd monarch of Morocco's Alaouite dynasty. He ascended the throne on July 30, 1999, not only inheriting power but also inheriting and advancing a vision of modernity, inclusion, and national strength. From the beginning, the King championed major social initiatives. In 2004, he reformed the Family Code, known as the Mudawana, granting women greater rights and gender equality. In late 2024 and early 2025, King Mohammed VI took direct leadership of Morocco's comprehensive reforms to the country's Family Code, guiding a process described as both balanced and holistic. He personally chaired royal working sessions in Casablanca, where he instructed the government to align proposed changes with Islamic precepts while responding to modern social realities. King Mohammed VI's vision framed the reform as a social project reinforcing the family unit, rather than a narrow women's rights agenda, stressing inclusive consultation — bringing together ulemas, civil society actors, and government authorities — to ensure the revision promotes justice and solidarity across the family structure. In 2005, the King launched the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), targeting poverty and social exclusion through community-focused programs in health, education, and income support. His Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, founded in 1999, has since disbursed over MAD 3.3 billion ($ 365.524 million) to support vulnerable groups and disaster relief. The King also oversaw an infrastructure boom. Morocco now boasts Africa's longest high-speed rail line, Al Boraq, linking Casablanca, Rabat, Kenitra, and Tangier at speeds up to 320 km/h, making it the continent's first HSR network. The road network has expanded from 1,800 km of highways toward an expected 3,000 km by 2030, helping the country rank second in African infrastructure after South Africa. Flagship projects like the Tanger-Med port and the Mohammed VI Tower in Salé further reflect modern urban development. Green energy and economic diversification King Mohammed VI pressed Morocco toward renewable energy, raising its national target from 42% to 52% of installed capacity by 2030, and pushing ahead with the massive Ouarzazate solar complex. During Throne Day celebrations in July 2023, the King commended OCP Group's green energy initiatives, linking sustainability to industrial resilience. Under his leadership, Morocco built a competitive industrial base. Programs like the Emergence Plan and National Pact for Industrial Emergence powered growth in automotive, aeronautics, and electronics. Investments in tourism, agriculture, and digital innovation strengthened the national economy and helped position Morocco as a regional hub. Democratic reform and cultural recognition In response to the Arab Spring, King Mohammed VI revised the 2011 constitution. The update reduced royal power, boosted parliamentary authority, stressed gender equality, and cemented good governance principles. That year, he also recognized Amazigh (Berber) identity by establishing the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture in 2001 and committing to its inclusion in education and media. Pan-African diplomacy and global influence Morocco's foreign policy under Mohammed VI has been proactive and panoramic. The country rejoined the African Union in 2017 and forged new 'South–South' partnerships across sub-Saharan Africa. The annual International Africa Development Forum in Casablanca, launched in 2010, reflects Morocco's growing role as a continental investment hub. In June 2025, King Mohammed VI urged African leaders at the 'Africa for the Ocean' summit in Nice to take charge of maritime resources, indicating that oceans as key to sustainable development and security. Western Sahara: sovereignty and recognition The King's diplomatic efforts have dramatically shifted the Western Sahara narrative. His 2007 Autonomy Plan envisions self-governance for the region under Moroccan sovereignty. Ever since, the UN Security Council has described the plan as 'serious and credible.' In 2020, the US formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, while France followed in July 2024, offering similar endorsement and pledging €10 billion in regional investment. Just this week, Portugal also backed the plan, calling it a 'serious and credible basis' for settlement. Religious tolerance and security cooperation The King has positioned Morocco as a leading advocate for religious moderation. He backed the 2016 Marrakech Declaration promoting interfaith harmony and actively funds imam training programs across the Sahel to combat extremism. In 2022–23, Morocco and the UN launched the Marrakech Platform to coordinate regional counter-terrorism efforts. 25 years later: legacy of progress and promise King Mohammed VI has turned Morocco into a model of reform: modern infrastructure, a green-energy economy, democratic strides, cultural recognition, and cross-continental diplomacy. His leadership has raised Morocco's regional profile — stabilizing, prosperous, and inclusive. Still, pressures from climate stress and socio-economic disparity remain. As Morocco approaches its next phase, the King's commitment to sustainable development and international partnership will prove critical in steering the nation forward. Tags: King Mohammed VIKing's legacyKing's Throne Day
Ya Biladi
27-07-2025
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's USFP to address constitutional reforms at October congress
In Morocco, the question of constitutional reform is resurfacing and is set to be a central topic at the upcoming USFP congress, scheduled for October. The announcement was made on Saturday, July 26, in Rabat by the party's First Secretary, Driss Lachgar, during a regular meeting of the National Council. «The preparatory committee for the congress has raised observations regarding the Constitution and deemed it necessary to address the matter. As a result, a proposal to draft constitutional reforms will be added to the congress agenda», Lachgar said in his speech. Against the backdrop of the Arab Spring, Morocco adopted a new constitution via referendum, which has been in force since July 1, 2011. The reform was initiated by King Mohammed VI in his speech on March 9 of that year, prompting political parties and civil society actors to submit their proposals to a specially appointed royal commission.
