REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF TANGIER DISCUSSES PRISON CONDITIONS IN NORTHERN MOROCCO

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Tangier organizes a meeting to discuss prison conditions in the region of Tangier-Tetouan, in light of the National Human Rights Council’s report on prison conditions. This meeting will be held on Friday, July 5, 2013, at 4:30 p.m., at the conference room of the Trade, Industry and Services Chamber, in Tetouan.

This gathering aims to contribute to the national debate on prison conditions and to exchange on the rights and conditions of prisoners, who are serving their sentences behind bars, where they should enjoy all their fundamental human rights, as provided for in the Moroccan constitution and international conventions. It also aims to bring all stakeholders concerned together and have them involved in this debate. The participants are invited to exchange on how prisoners’ conditions can be improved, in order to overcome some shortcomings, end any human rights violations, and adhere to (and ensure) the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

Presentations will be given on prison conditions in the region, overcrowding, pretrial detention, the protection of prisoners’ rights and the humanization of prisons. The discussions will be an opportunity for the participants to make proposals to implement the recommendations of the National Council’s report on prison conditions.

The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) published, in October 2012, a thematic report entitled “Prison crisis, a shared responsibility: 100 recommendations for the protection of prisoners’ rights”. It objectively analyzes prison conditions and violations of prisoners’ rights. It highlights direct and indirect causes of violations and makes several legislative, administrative and proactive recommendations to handle identified issues and stop reported violations.

The report includes CNDH’s conclusions and recommendations on the management of prisons, the implementation of laws and procedures, juvenile justice, female prisoners, mentally ill prisoners, prisoners with disabilities, foreigners, addicts and chronically ill inmates. It also discusses some legislative shortcomings and highlights the budget allocated to the sector.