Norwegian recommendations in UPR on Morocco 22 May
Norway warmly welcomes the delegation of Morocco and appreciates the oral presentation of the National Report as well as written answers to our advance questions.
We commend Morocco for their work in the area of Human Rights, including the adoption of the new constitution, the National Action Plan for Democracy and Human Rights and the implementation of the recommendations from the Equity and Reconciliation Commission.
We also recognize the ratification of important Human Rights instruments, including the optional protocol to CEDAW (the Convention on the elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women) and CAT (the Convention against Torture).
In spite of all the progress, certain challenges still remain.
Regarding gender equality, we recommend Morocco to revise the penal code as well as other legislation such as the family code to ensure that they are in compliance with international standards. We also recommend Morocco to adopt a specific law on violence against women that contain both criminal and civil provisions.
We recommend Morocco to ensure that the procedures governing registration of civil society organizations, including organizations advocating for the Saharawi people’s right to self –determination, are in conformity with international standards.
Finally, Norway recognizes the efforts of Morocco to develop institutions and national strategies to strengthen its social systems, gender equality and children’s rights, including the establishment of the National Human Rights Council and the Office of the Ombudsman. Norway recommends that these institutions be prioritized and sufficiently resourced.
Thank you.
Norway’s advance questions for Morocco
1. Does the Government of Morocco plan to build on the recent constitutional amendments and proceed to review current legislation on freedom of expression, including a revision of the press code, with a view to bringing it in compliance with international standards?
2. Could you please elaborate on the procedures governing registration of civil society organizations, including for the organizations advocating for the Saharawi people’s right to self-determination, and whether these are in conformity with international human rights standards?
3. Could you please elaborate how the Government of Morocco will follow up the constitutional provisions for gender equality, and how the Government will proceed to secure equal rights and participation for women?
4. Will the Government of Morocco consider inviting the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders and the UN Special Rapporteur on torture to Morocco?