Morocco's journey toward human rights and gender equality

Morocco’s commitment to continuous reform is pivotal in reinforcing the rule of law and fostering a just, inclusive society. Amina Bouayach, president of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), recently presented the country’s extensive approach to human rights and gender reform during a session at the UK Parliament.

In her address, Bouayach detailed Morocco’s distinctive path to progress, emphasizing the core principles that have guided substantial reforms across governance, law, and gender equality.

Pillars of progress

Bouayach outlined that Morocco's human rights strategy is anchored in three primary pillars: consensus, innovation, and participation. These values have been instrumental in shaping legal and institutional transformations, including efforts in transitional justice and constitutional amendments that uphold universal rights and freedoms.

Significant reforms, such as the 2004 Family Code, which is currently undergoing revision, exemplify Morocco's dedication to advancing gender equality. Bouayach described the code as a historic milestone for women’s rights in the region, facilitated by the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI.

Ongoing reforms and future commitments

The ongoing review of the Moudawana, Morocco’s Family Code, aims to tackle existing challenges and further promote gender equality. This initiative is set to introduce important reforms, such as constitutional guarantees of gender equality, anti-violence legislation, and enhanced participation of women in politics.

Bouayach emphasized that the essence of Morocco’s reform model lies in the alignment between the state and society through a dynamic, continuous dialogue. The country’s success is attributed to a participatory process that involves all stakeholders across its twelve regions in crafting solutions that resonate with the social and cultural fabric of Morocco.

Emphasizing consensus and innovation

Rather than seeking immediate solutions, Morocco prioritizes consensus-building among various parties, tailoring interventions to meet the nation’s specific context. Innovation plays a crucial role in ensuring that reforms address the unique needs of the Moroccan populace.

Digital expression and human rights

Bouayach also addressed the evolving landscape of freedom of expression in the digital age. She highlighted the growth of online freedoms in Morocco, noting over 38 million internet subscriptions and millions of social media accounts. The transition to digital platforms has facilitated increased public engagement and discourse, particularly regarding human rights.

However, this shift has introduced new challenges in regulating content without compromising freedom of expression. Bouayach advocated for a balanced approach that safeguards human rights in the digital realm while ensuring that freedom of expression does not undermine other fundamental rights. She stressed the importance of adhering to international human rights frameworks, including Articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The path ahead

Despite the progress achieved, Bouayach recognized that Morocco continues to face challenges in its human rights journey. The ultimate objective remains the full realization of constitutional rights and freedoms, translating these guarantees into tangible realities for all Moroccans.

Concluding her remarks, the CNDH president reiterated that the reform process is not merely a political choice but an ethical obligation aimed at fostering sustainable development and social cohesion.