Human Rights Law at Morocco
Human Rights Law in Morocco is an evolving field that has gained significant attention over the past few decades. The country has made progress in terms of legal reforms, but challenges remain in areas such as political freedoms, press freedom, and women's rights. Here's an overview of the current landscape of Human Rights Law in Morocco:
đ Human Rights Law in Morocco â Overview
Morocco's legal system is based on civil law, with influences from Islamic law. The country has a mixed record regarding human rights, with significant reforms in recent years, but ongoing concerns about the freedom of expression, political rights, and the treatment of minorities.
Constitutional Framework:
The 2011 Moroccan Constitution introduced important reforms that strengthened human rights protections. The Constitution guarantees:
Freedom of expression
Freedom of assembly
Non-discrimination (e.g., gender, ethnic, or religious identity)
It also established a National Human Rights Council (CNDH), which is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in the country.
International Human Rights Commitments:
Morocco is a signatory to several key international human rights conventions, including:
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)
However, there are concerns regarding the full implementation of some of these treaties in domestic law.
Morocco's Human Rights Challenges:
Freedom of Expression: While there is legal protection, in practice, the government has been criticized for limiting freedom of speech, particularly when it comes to criticism of the monarchy or government policies. Journalists and activists have faced legal repercussions for voicing dissent.
Women's Rights: Morocco has made notable strides in improving women's rights, particularly through reforms such as the Family Code (Moudawana), but challenges remain in terms of domestic violence, early marriages, and gender-based discrimination.
Sahara Conflict: The situation in Western Sahara, a disputed territory, remains a significant human rights issue, with reports of abuses against civilians living in the region.
đ Studying Human Rights Law in Morocco
Several universities and institutions in Morocco offer law programs that can include human rights law as part of their curriculum:
Mohammed V University of Rabat:
Masterâs Program in Human Rights: The university offers graduate-level programs that focus on human rights law, international law, and constitutional law. Students learn about both international human rights frameworks and the domestic legal environment in Morocco.
Website: www.um5.ac.ma
Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh:
Offers programs in international law and human rights law, focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects of human rights.
Website: www.u-c.ma
International Human Rights Organizations and NGOs:
There are several NGOs and international organizations based in Morocco that focus on human rights work. Some may offer internships or educational programs, providing practical experience in human rights law.
âď¸ Moroccoâs Legal and Human Rights Framework
Constitutional Provisions:
The 2011 Constitution explicitly mentions human rights in line with international norms and provides for the establishment of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH). The CNDH plays an essential role in monitoring human rights abuses and advising the government.
Human Rights Committees:
The CNDH is a key body that works towards human rights protection in Morocco. It investigates allegations of human rights violations and makes recommendations to the government.
It also works to raise awareness about human rights issues and the importance of civic engagement.
Criminal Justice and Human Rights:
Morocco has made progress in reforming its criminal justice system, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees and access to fair trials.
Torture and ill-treatment are prohibited under Moroccan law, though human rights organizations have raised concerns about ongoing abuse in some police stations and prisons.
Press Freedom:
The press in Morocco operates under significant restrictions. Journalists face censorship, and some are arrested for covering sensitive topics, including the monarchy or the Western Sahara issue.
Women's Rights:
Morocco has seen progress in gender equality, especially with the Moudawana (Family Code) reform in 2004. However, the implementation of these reforms remains inconsistent, and issues like domestic violence and gender-based violence continue to be widespread.
đ§ââď¸ Careers in Human Rights Law in Morocco
Government:
National Human Rights Council (CNDH): Work in government bodies like the CNDH, which is tasked with investigating human rights violations and advising on legal reforms.
Judiciary: Moroccan lawyers can work within the domestic legal system, focusing on human rights law, representing clients in human rights cases, or advocating for reforms.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
Many international and local NGOs focus on human rights issues in Morocco. Organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Moroccan-based human rights groups provide employment opportunities for human rights lawyers and advocates.
NGOs often look for professionals to help with advocacy, legal advice, reporting violations, and policy reform.
International Organizations:
Opportunities may also exist with international human rights organizations that work in Morocco, such as the United Nations, European Union, or organizations focused on refugees, freedom of speech, and womenâs rights.
Academia:
There are opportunities to teach and research in human rights law at Moroccan universities such as Mohammed V University or Cadi Ayyad University.
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