## Morocco Committed to Promoting Human Rights, Says UN Official
Morocco’s unwavering commitment to promoting human rights was emphasized by Ibrahim Salama, Head of the Human Rights Treaties Branch at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), during a speech in Kenitra on Thursday.
Speaking at the opening session of the regional symposium on the role of security institutions in preventing torture, Mr. Salama highlighted Morocco’s “resolute and deep commitment” to human rights, citing the symposium itself as evidence of this commitment. The event follows previous meetings with Moroccan security and human rights officials.
This symposium represents a significant step in Morocco’s ongoing efforts to promote human rights, which aligns with the broader regional context of learning from shared experiences in the field.
Mr. Salama lauded Morocco’s proactive approach in promoting human rights culture, calling it “commendable and very important.” He emphasized that Morocco’s interest in hosting such regional meetings to exchange international experiences on human rights, particularly those related to the Optional Protocol against Torture, demonstrates its commitment to upholding these agreements at the regional level.
The event, co-organized by the OHCHR, the Moroccan interministerial delegation for human rights, and the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), received the appreciation of Mr. Salama, who expressed his gratitude for Morocco’s commitment and support for the symposium.
The symposium aims to challenge the misconception that human rights are solely the responsibility of activists. Mr. Salama emphasized the crucial role of “non-traditional actors” such as police officers, prosecutors, and immigration officials in upholding human rights.
The three-day symposium, supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), brings together government officials, security personnel, experts, and academics from both Morocco and other MENA countries. Its focus is to encourage security institutions to uphold their international obligations and implement legislation to prevent torture.
The symposium’s agenda includes sessions discussing various aspects of preventing torture, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, the role of security institutions, and the importance of judicial control.