X

Morocco's CNDH Chief Amina Bouayach Honored with Prestigious North-South Prize

Morocco's CNDH Chief Amina Bouayach Honored with Prestigious North-South Prize
Monday 20 May 2024 - 13:44
Zoom

In a ceremony filled with accolades and recognition, Amina Bouayach, the esteemed President of Morocco's National Human Rights Council (CNDH), will be awarded the prestigious North-South Prize of the Council of Europe on Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal. This honor serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to the promotion of human rights, gender equality, and the prevention of torture on both regional and continental scales.

The award ceremony, hosted by the Portuguese Parliament, will mark a momentous occasion as Bouayach becomes the first Moroccan woman and the third Moroccan to receive this distinguished accolade, following in the footsteps of King Mohammed VI's advisor, Andre Azoulay, and the late former Prime Minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi.

Bouayach's remarkable journey will be celebrated in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and the President of the Portuguese Assembly, José Pedro Aguiar Branco, who will personally confer the prize upon her. The CNDH chairperson will also address the gathering with a poignant speech, underscoring the significance of this occasion.

The Council of Europe’s decision to honor Bouayach stems from her resolute advocacy for the abolition of capital punishment, her tireless efforts to fortify civil society structures across the Mediterranean region, and her fervent promotion of North-South cooperation based on shared democratic values. Her exceptional contributions have resonated far beyond Morocco's borders, garnering international recognition and admiration.

Joining the celebration will be the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Bjørn Berge, and the Chair of the Executive Committee of the North-South Centre, Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, further underscoring the prestige and global significance of this accolade.

Since its inception in 1995, the North-South Prize has been awarded annually to two exceptional candidates, activists, public figures, or organizations, who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering North-South solidarity. Bouayach's selection for this honor stands as a testament to her remarkable endeavors and their profound impact on the global stage.

In recognition of her enduring dedication, Bouayach recently received the 2024 Women Future Prize from the Spanish-French Friendship Association in Madrid, further solidifying her status as a champion for the protection and promotion of fundamental rights. Reflecting on this accolade, Bouayach acknowledged it as a reflection of Morocco's "constant commitment and progress in promoting human and women's rights," while expressing her profound honor in serving as the president of the CNDH.

The jury's commendation of Bouayach's "exemplary" journey and her embodiment of the "relentless struggle for justice, equality, and human rights in Morocco" echoes the profound impact her life's work has had on the global stage. As she ascends to receive this honor, Bouayach's unwavering determination and resolute advocacy for human rights continue to inspire and ignite hope for a more equitable and just world.


Read more