Morocco Signals Policy Shift with Support for UN Death Penalty Resolution

Morocco is poised to make a landmark decision by voting in favor of the United Nations resolution on the moratorium on the death penalty, marking a significant departure from its previous stance. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi announced this historic shift during a parliamentary session, highlighting it as a step toward aligning Morocco with global human rights values.

For the first time, Morocco will back the resolution at the upcoming UN General Assembly, breaking from its past position of abstaining on nine prior votes. Ouahbi framed the move as evidence of Morocco’s dedication to protecting the right to life, as enshrined in Article 20 of the Moroccan Constitution, which states, “The right to life is the first right of every human being. The law protects this right.”

The justice minister emphasized that this decision represents a balance between Morocco’s cultural identity and its commitment to advancing human rights. He addressed questions from parliamentary members, positioning the vote as a symbol of the country's evolving stance on justice and human dignity.

Morocco has observed a de facto moratorium on executions since 1993, reinforcing its position on protecting the sanctity of life. Ouahbi suggested that supporting the resolution further affirms the nation’s human rights commitments and enhances its role in advocating humane justice on the international stage.

This decision follows years of advocacy from Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), which in October urged lawmakers to bring the nation’s death penalty regulations in line with international standards. The council also called for the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which advocates for the abolition of capital punishment.

As Morocco prepares to cast its vote, the move reflects a broader effort to align its governance with principles of justice, equity, and human rights, signaling a transformative chapter in its policy on capital punishment.