Morocco champions ambitious un human rights system reform in geneva
During a significant gathering themed “Beijing after 30 years: mobilizing the United Nations human rights system to advance gender equality and the full enjoyment of the rights of women and girls,” Morocco actively participated, sharing its valuable insights and proposing reforms for international human rights governance. This platform in Geneva served as a crucial opportunity for the North African nation to contribute to global discussions on human rights.
El Habib Belkouch underscored the strategic imperative of engaging with the Human Rights Council’s proceedings. He emphasized that these international forums are vital for monitoring developments in human rights, both domestically and across the globe. He specifically highlighted Morocco’s proactive stance, notably through its organization of an international symposium in Rabat. This event commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), an initiative recognized as a global pioneering effort.
The symposium, according to Belkouch, proved instrumental in formulating concrete recommendations aimed at bolstering the effectiveness of the UPR, a standout accountability mechanism within the UN system. He clarified that this was not an isolated event but rather an integral part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance and streamline international human rights mechanisms, showcasing Morocco’s commitment to robust human rights governance in Africa.
In line with this forward-looking approach, the Moroccan official mentioned preparations for an upcoming international meeting. This gathering is dedicated to a thorough evaluation of various components of the UN system, encompassing both special procedures—such as rapporteurs and working groups—and conventional treaty mechanisms. The ultimate objective is to foster greater institutional coherence, especially in an era marked by the proliferation of mechanisms and occasional thematic overlaps, particularly in sensitive areas like children’s rights.
El Habib Belkouch also pointed to the current global landscape, characterizing it as a “period of crisis,” yet paradoxically viewing it as a prime opportunity to drive ambitious reforms. He asserted that overcoming this crisis necessitates charting positive pathways, consolidating existing achievements, and reinforcing the central role of human rights in the face of challenges observed across numerous regions worldwide.
Furthermore, he spotlighted Morocco’s progressive experience with national mechanisms designed for monitoring and implementing international recommendations. This innovative approach, presented as a developing model on the international stage, has garnered significant and growing interest from various nations. He revealed that states such as Korea, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates have expressed keen interest in the Moroccan experience and have initiated dialogues to draw inspiration from its success.
For the inter-ministerial delegate, these national mechanisms represent the future trajectory of human rights action. They are instrumental in transitioning from merely formulating recommendations to ensuring their effective, tangible implementation. He concluded that it is at this operational level that the real realization of human rights takes place.
He further affirmed that this crucial theme was among the most prominent subjects presented at the Glion forum, where Morocco contributed significantly last year. This consistent engagement underscores Morocco’s unwavering commitment to actively participate in foundational debates concerning the future of the international human rights system, all while showcasing its own advancements and advocating for more efficient and coherent global governance.
