Translated by Michela Scappaticci
On 10 January in Geneva, Morocco was elected as President of the UN Human Rights Council for the year 2024. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Co-operation and Moroccans Living Abroad reported that out of 47 Council members, Morocco received 30 votes, against South Africa's candidature of only 17. Morocco won the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council for the first time. The new president will be Omar Zniber, Morocco's permanent representative to the UN since 2018. The election of Morocco to the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council represents unprecedented recognition by the international community for King Mohammed VI's commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, marking a historic moment for the country.
The Human Rights Council is the main UN body in charge of promoting human rights worldwide. In order to ensure a fair geographical distribution, it was decided that in the 18th cycle, corresponding to the year 2024, the presidency would be assigned to an African country. The Human Rights Council, which meets regularly throughout the year, holds the authority to strengthen the monitoring of human rights compliance by countries and can also authorise investigations or impose sanctions in response to significant and systematic human rights violations.
Morocco's election reflects the international community's recognition of King Mohammed VI's clear vision of the protection and promotion of human rights. The announcement emphasises that, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, Morocco has made an irreversible choice in consolidating the rule of law and working for the respect of human rights.
Nasser Bourita, Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, says that this decision, enshrined in the 2011 Constitution, is expressed through a constant commitment to reforms, aimed mainly at strengthening democracy, promoting equality between women and men, social and territorial justice, the effective protection of human rights overall, inclusive participation and the empowerment of young people.
The Kingdom of Morocco, which is recognised for its contribution in the Human Rights Council, especially in the formative processes of that body, is pleased to welcome the trust placed in it. This represents a significant signal from the international community in favour of its constructive approach and unifying leadership on crucial issues such as interreligious dialogue, tolerance, the fight against racial hate, as well as the right to a healthy and sustainable environment, the rights of migrants and the impact of new technologies. During its presidency, the Kingdom will remain faithful to the line taken in its three terms on the Human Rights Council, always favouring dialogue, encounter and consensus. It therefore intends to actively continue, in cooperation with the members of the Council and all regional groups, to strengthen and expand the influence of this important organ of the United Nations human rights system.
However, not everyone warmly welcomed this decision. The first to express criticism was the Polisario Front, the movement demanding the national independence of Western Sahara.
It is worth mentioning that in 1999, King Mohammed VI took the throne and devoted considerable efforts to the promotion of human rights within the Kingdom. This is confirmed by the promulgation of the 2011 Constitution, the promulgation of the Family Law Code, the focus on the promotion of social dialogue while respecting political freedoms, the commitment to equality between women and men, the promotion of social and territorial justice, and the effective protection of human rights.
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L'Autore
Wiam Kessab
IT
Wiam Kessab, classe 2001, ha conseguito la laurea triennale presso la Fondazione UniverMantova in mediazione linguistica; lingue per le relazioni internazionali.
Attualmente sta frequentando il corso di laurea magistrale in relazioni internazionali e diplomazia, curriculum in diritto internazionale ed economia presso l’Università degli studi di Padova.
Durante i suoi studi ha sviluppato un forte interesse sia per le relazioni internazionali che per le lingue.
Attualmente è autrice di Mondo internazionale Post per "Società e Legge".
EN
Wiam Kessab, born in 2001, graduated from the Fondazione UniverMantova in language mediation; languages for international relations.
She is currently attending the Master's degree course in international relations and diplomacy, curriculum in international law and economy at the University of Padua.
During her studies, she developed a strong interest for the international relations and languages.
She is currently author of International World Post for 'Society and Law'.
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Council human rights UN geneva Morocco winning Elections