IMPLEMENTATION OF CONSTITUTION: CNDH’s THIRD ORDINARY SESSION DISCUSSES TWO MEMORANDA ON AUTHORITY FOR PARITY AND SUPREME COUNCIL FOR JUDICIAL POWER

The third ordinary session of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), held on October 6, 2012, discussed two memoranda; one related to the Authority for Parity and the Fight against all Forms of Discrimination and the other to the Supreme Council for Judicial Power. This session was chaired by Mr. Driss El Yazami, President of the Council.

The third ordinary session of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), held on October 6, 2012, discussed two memoranda; one related to the Authority for Parity and the Fight against all Forms of Discrimination and the other to the Supreme Council for Judicial Power. This session was chaired by Mr. Driss El Yazami, President of the Council.

In addition to these memoranda, the outline of the report of the Council’s activities (March 2011 to March 2012) was discussed. This report highlights, in particular, the major projects and activities:

- The Council prepared a memorandum on the draft law related to the guarantees granted to military members, upon request of the Parliament Speaker. The provisions of this memorandum were taken into account by the legislator. CNDH responded to the request of the Minister in charge of Relations with Parliament and Civil Society to issue an opinion on a draft circular by the Head of Government on the funding of associations. It also issued proposals in partnership with constitutional institutions concerning the Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives.

- It has been contributing to the implementation of the provisions of the Constitution relating to human rights and participatory democracy through the organization of several activities. To name a few, it drafted two memoranda one related to the Supreme Council for Judicial Power and the other to the Authority for Parity and the Fight against all Forms of Discrimination. It organized an international symposium on the right to access information. It will soon host an international seminar on the Constitutional Court.

- The Council also published a report on the situation in psychiatric hospitals. It will soon publish a report on the situation in prisons and another one on the rights of foreigners in Morocco. The publication of these reports is a good practice that will be strengthened and consolidated. The Council will see to the implementation of its recommendations. "It is a vain effort to prepare reports and make dozens of recommendations without having them implemented”, said Mr. El Yazami. He added that “citizens rightly demand effective enjoyment of rights and not just having them enshrined in laws and declarations.”

The Council has strengthened its relations with the Inter-ministerial Delegation for Human Rights, particularly in aspect of their interaction with treaty bodies and UN mechanisms. The same applies to the Council’s relationship with the Mediator (ombudsman), being a constitutional partner institution.

Mr. El Yazami underlined the importance of ensuring maximum coordination and harmonization between the Council and its regional commissions. The Convention that was held in Marrakech last May was the first step in this objective.

CNDH president highlighted the statement of Juan Mendez, United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, who said, once he concluded his visit to Morocco (from 15 to 22 September 2012), that “the National Human Rights Council is an independent and highly credible body and its reports carry great moral weight. It can become an effective monitoring mechanism and mediator between the State and its citizens if its recommendations are implemented in good faith.” Before issuing his statement, Mr. Mendez met with CNDH’s president, secretary general and members in addition to the chairpersons of the regional human rights commissions of Casablanca, Dakhla, Laayoune and Tan-Tan.

Mr. El Yazami concluded by saying that this statement was made by a man known for his competence, integrity, professionalism and credibility. He represented an international human rights instrument. This can only be a source of pride and encouragement to strengthen our efforts in order to protect and promote human rights of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.