Rabat hosts 9th annual meeting of Arab national human rights institution

The National Human Rights Council hosts the 9th Annual Meeting of Arab National Human Rights Institutions, June 15-16, 2013, in Rabat. The meeting will tackle transitional justice in the Arab region and adopt the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions’ Statute and Rules of Procedures.

In addition to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the National Human Rights Council (Morocco), the national human rights institutions of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Tunisia will take part in this meeting.

Three sessions are scheduled for the meeting: (i) transitional justice through the Moroccan experience and the young experiences of Libya and Tunisia, (ii) impact of the Arab Spring on the situation of human rights and the relationship between government human rights departments and national human rights institutions (iii) and the organization and structure of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (Statue, Rules of Procedures and new structure).

On the sidelines of this meeting, the (Moroccan) National Human Rights Council will conclude cooperation agreements with the (Jordanian) National Centre for Human Rights, the (Libyan) National Council for Public Liberties and Human Rights and the (Egyptian) National Council for Human Rights.

The Arab national human rights institutions decided in their 7th annual meeting (Nouakchott, April 27-28, 2011) to create an Arab network for national human rights institutions, to promote, protect and implement human rights in the region.

The Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions draws its reference from the fundamental values and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the regional and international human rights conventions. It’s made of 15 national institutions. Six institutions are accredited, by the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC), as A Status national institutions, and two as B Status institutions (A status means that the institution is in full compliance with United Nations Paris Principles). The Other institutions are not accredited by the ICC.

REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF TANGIER ORGANIZES TRAINING SESSION ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARDS AND THEIR USE BY LAWYERS IN COURTS

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Tangier organizes, in coordination with the Board of the local Bar Association, a training session on international human rights standards and how they can be used by lawyers in courts, on 14-15 June 2013, at the Lawyer Club in Tangier.

This training session is organized in implementation of the regional commission’s strategic plan 2012, devoted to the promotion of the culture of human rights. It aims to build the capacities of lawyers and members of the commission itself. It will illustrate how relevant provisions of international human rights law and the principles and philosophy of this law can be used in courts. By the end of the session, the participants will be able to discuss the fundamental principles and values of human rights and to understand the specificities of these concepts and how they have been evolving. They will learn how to build their pleadings in relevant cases according to the commitments of Morocco in the area of human rights.

Installed on February 2, 2012, the commission of Tangier was created by virtue of Article 28 of the National Human Rights Council’s founding Royal Decree. It is mandated to monitor the situation of human rights in the region. It receives and handles complaints about any allegations of human rights violations.

The commission’s territorial jurisdiction covers the governorates of Tanger-Assilah and M’diq-Fnideq, as well as the provinces of Ouezzane, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Fahs-Anjra and Larache. Chaired by Ms Salma Taoud, it implements the Council’s programs and projects relating to the promotion of human rights and stimulation of dialogue and reflection on human rights at the region, in cooperation with the local stakeholders concerned.

REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION OF PRISONERS - SEMINAR IN CASABLANCA

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Casablanca-Settat, the Relais Prison-Société Association and Âdala Association organize a seminar on “Rehabilitation: making legal procedures simple for effective reintegration of prisoners in society”. This seminar will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013 at Idou Anfa Hotel, at 3:00 p.m.

The seminar will shed light on the issue of social integration of prisoners and the related legal obstacles that have been identified by the Relais Prison-Société Association through its field action. It’s held in line with recommendations of the National Human Rights Council’s report on prison conditions.

This gathering aims to open debate on the issue of rehabilitation and the related legal, legislative and institutional aspects. It will be an opportunity put forward proposals to make the legal procedures simple and accessible for an effective reintegration of prisoners in to society.
This seminar will bring together lawyers, judges, representatives of government departments, national institutions, civil society association, businesses, etc.

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Casablanca-Settat is one of CNDH’s 13 regional human rights mechanisms. Created under Article 28 of the Council’s founding Royal Decree, these commissions are mandated to monitor the situation of human rights at the local levels. They receive and handle complaints about allegations of human rights violations. They implement the Council’s programs and projects related to the promotion of human rights and stimulation of dialogue and thoughts on human rights, in cooperation with the local stakeholders concerned.

AGREEMENT TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH EDUCATION AND TRAINING SYSTEM

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Errachidia-Ouarzazate and the National Education Directorate in Zagora concluded a partnership and cooperation agreement on Thursday, June 6, 2013, at 9:00 a.m., at Reda Hotel in Zagora.

Through this agreement, the two partners aim to build a platform to promote human rights through the education and training system. The agreement refers to activities and programs aiming to promote the principles and values of human rights and to help build positive attitudes towards oneself and the others. It also aims sensitize about the fundamental human rights and the rights and duties of citizens. Spreading and promoting the culture of human rights and promoting schools and encouraging their openness towards their environment are among the objectives of this partnership.

The Commission concluded a similar agreement with the Education Directorate in Tinghir, on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Casablanca-Settat was appointed on January 23, 2012. It’s chaired by Ms Fatima Aarache. Its mandate covers the provinces of Errachidia, Ouarzazate, Tinghir and Zagora. It is one of CNDH’s 13 regional human rights mechanisms. Created under Article 28 of the Council’s founding Royal Decree, these commissions are mandated to monitor the situation of human rights at the local levels. They receive and handle complaints about allegations of human rights violations. They implement the Council’s programs and projects related to the promotion of human rights and stimulation of dialogue and thoughts on human rights, in cooperation with the local stakeholders concerned.

CEREMONY TO GIVE TRIBUTE TO MEDICAL STAFF AND SENSITIZE ABOUT THEIR ROLE IN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF RIGHT TO HEALTH

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Laayoune-Smara organizes, in partnership with the Association of Patient friends for Medical Support, a ceremony to give tribute to several medical and administrative staff of the hospitals of Laayoune. This activity, which will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at the Parador Hotel, aims to highlight and raise awareness about the role of doctors, nurses and other health professionals in the effective implementation of the right to health.

It also aims to shed light on the efforts medical staff members make to treat patients and help them get well. Get doctors, nurses and health professionals involved in the promotion of human rights is another objective of the ceremony. The right to health and the role of doctors in the protection of human rights will be highlighted. Awards and gifts will be given to the professionals concerned.

This activity is held in line with the regional commission’s efforts and contribution to implementing the right to health and strengthening the role of health professionals in the implementation of this right. It reflects the commission’s openness to the different local stakeholders and its outreach policy to promote the culture of human rights.

In partnership with UNDP, the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) conducted in 2010 a study on the right to development, based on the International Covenant of economic, social and cultural rights and the Millennium Development Goals. The study targeted four sectors: employment, education, health and housing. CNDH published in 2012 a thematic report on mental health and human rights.

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Laayoune-Smara is one of CNDH’s 13 regional human rights mechanisms. Created under Article 28 of the Council’s founding Royal Decree, these commissions are mandated to monitor the situation of human rights at the local levels. They receive and handle complaints about allegations of human rights violations. They implement the Council’s programs and projects related to the promotion of human rights and stimulation of dialogue and thoughts on human rights, in cooperation with the local stakeholders concerned.

REGIONAL COMMISSION OF TANTAN-GUELMIM HOLDS MEETING WITH REGIONAL OBSERVATORY FOR SCHOOL VIOLENCE

The Regional Human Rights Commission of TanTan-Guelmim holds, in partnership with the Regional Academy for Education and Training of Guelmim-Smara, a meeting with the Regional Observatory for School Violence. This meeting will be held at the main office of the Academy in Guelmim, on Friday, June 7, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.

This gathering is held in line with the efforts the Commission makes to contribute to promoting human rights. It will discuss how to make effective the role of the regional school violence center and observatory. Several presentations on the legal, social and pedagogical aspects of the subject are scheduled during this meeting.

The Regional Human Rights Commission of TanTan-Guelmim is one of CNDH’s 13 regional human rights mechanisms. Created under Article 28 of the Council’s founding Royal Decree, these commissions are mandated to monitor the situation of human rights at the local levels. They receive and handle complaints about allegations of human rights violations. They implement the Council’s programs and projects related to the promotion of human rights and stimulation of dialogue and thoughts on human rights, in cooperation with the local stakeholders concerned.

ROUNDTABLE IN OUJDA ON CNDH’S MEMORANDUMS ON CONSTITUTIONAL COURT AND EXCEPTION OF UNCONSTITUTIONALITY

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Oujda-Figuig organizes a roundtable to discuss the National Human Rights Council two memorandums on the Constitutional Court and the Exception of Unconstitutionality. This roundtable will held in cooperation with the Human Rights Laboratory and the Laboratory of Constitutional Studies, On Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at 3:30 p.m., at the Conference Room of the Faculty of Law in Oujda.

A constitutional court is created under article 129 of the Moroccan Constitution, approved by referendum in July 2011. Article 133 gives litigants the right to challenge the unconstitutionality of a law that may infringe on the rights and liberties enshrined in the Constitution.

Under the provisions of the Constitution, the legislator is required to issue an organic law for the constitutional court, to provide for its structure, missions, procedures and status of its members. Another organic law should govern terms and condition of the exception of unconstitutionality.
CNDH drafted these two memorandums to contribute to implementing the provisions of the Constitution.

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Oujda-Figuig is one of CNDH’s 13 regional human rights mechanisms. Created under Article 28 of the Council’s founding Royal Decree, these commissions are mandated to monitor the situation of human rights at the local levels. They receive and handle complaints about allegations of human rights violations. They implement the Council’s programs and projects related to the promotion of human rights and stimulation of dialogue and thoughts on human rights, in cooperation with the local stakeholders concerned.

REGIONAL COMMISSION OF MARRAKECH ORGANIZES SCIENTIFIC SEMINAR IN SAFI ON RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Marrakech and the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Safi, in coordination with the Local Governance and Democracy Research and Study Group, organize a scientific seminar in Safi on the right to development. This seminar will be held at the Conference Room of the Faculty, on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at 9:00 a.m.

Many presentations will be given on the subject: “The right to development as a human right” by Mr. Mustapha Anaflouss, “The main features of comprehensive development” by Dr. Mustapha Sofi, “Position of Safi in the strategic development plans” by Munir Charki and “The development communal plan and the issue of resource mobilization” by Abdelkabir Ajmii.

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Marrakech and the Qadi Ayad University’s Multidisciplinary Faculty signed in May 2013 an agreement to learn and benefit from their experiences and resources. This agreement aims to promote the values of citizenship and the culture of human rights. It also aims to encourage initiatives aiming to promote the human rights thoughts and related field actions.

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Marrakech is one of CNDH’s 13 regional human rights mechanisms. Created under Article 28 of the Council’s founding Royal Decree, these commissions are mandated to monitor the situation of human rights at the local levels. They receive and handle complaints about allegations of human rights violations. They implement the Council’s programs and projects related to the promotion of human rights and stimulation of dialogue and thoughts on human rights, in cooperation with the local stakeholders concerned.

WORKSHOP IN TIZNIT TO DISCUSS DRAFT LAW ON ACCESS TO INFORMATION

The Civil Space (civil society association) organizes a workshop to discuss a draft law on the right to access to information, on Saturday June 1, 2013, at Tin Hinane Center in Tiznit, at 6:00 p.m. This workshop is held in partnership with the Regional Human Rights Commission of Agadir and with support of the Municipal Council of Tiznit.

Mr. Mustapha El Iraqi, member of the National Human Rights Council, Mr. Rachid Ennassiri, Judge and member of the Judges club of Agadir, Mr. Abdelatif Ouamou, parliamentarian, Mr. Mohamed Ali Debba, Regional Treasurer of Tiznit, Mr. Larbi Belouch, Lawyer in Agadir, and Mr. Abdelhafid Rekibi, member of the Moroccan Center for Studies and Research in human rights and communication, will take part in the gathering.

Approved in 2011 by referendum, the Moroccan Constitution stipulates, in Article 27, that citizens, men and women, have the right to access to information held by the public administration, the elected institutions and the entities invested with missions of public service. Under article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Agadir is one of CNDH’s 13 regional human rights mechanisms. Created under Article 28 of the Council’s founding Royal Decree, these commissions are mandated to monitor the situation of human rights at the local levels. They receive and handle complaints about allegations of human rights violations. They implement the Council’s programs and projects related to the promotion of human rights and stimulation of dialogue and thoughts on human rights, in cooperation with the local stakeholders concerned.

REGIONAL COMMISSION OF LAAYOUNE-SMARA HOLDS MEETING ON ACCESSIBILITIES

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Laayoune-Smara holds a meeting on accessibilities for persons with disabilities in the region. This meeting will be held in Boujdour, on Friday, May 31, 2013, at 9:00 a.m.

The gathering will discuss how to ensure accessibility of persons with disabilities to public facilities and administration. It aims to promote the culture of accessibilities in the construction, housing and transport sectors.

It will highlight the conditions of this group and national and international disability rights. It will emphasize the right to travel from one place to another freely, and the importance to remove all related obstacles. Social integration of this group cannot be achieved without the effective implementation of the right to movement and interaction with society.

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Laayoune-Smara is one of CNDH’s 13 regional human rights mechanisms. Created under Article 28 of the Council’s founding Royal Decree, these commissions are mandated to monitor the situation of human rights at the local levels. They receive and handle complaints about allegations of human rights violations. They implement the Council’s programs and projects related to the promotion of human rights and stimulation of dialogue and thoughts on human rights, in cooperation with the local stakeholders concerned.