Amina Bouayach's Unwavering Advocacy for Human Rights Earns Prestigious North-South Prize

In a testament to her steadfast commitment to promoting human rights, gender equality, and the prevention of torture, Amina Bouayach, President of Morocco's National Human Rights Council (CNDH), was awarded the prestigious North-South Prize by the Council of Europe in Lisbon on Tuesday. The ceremony, held at the Portuguese Parliament, was graced by the presence of the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and the President of the Portuguese Assembly, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco.

Upon receiving the honor, Bouayach delivered a powerful speech, recognizing the award not merely as an acknowledgment of her individual efforts but as a celebration of Morocco's substantial progress in promoting dignity and freedom. She highlighted the significance of the award coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission, which she described as "a pioneering example of transitional justice in the Arab and Muslim world" and "a unique experience worldwide."

Bouayach eloquently articulated the Moroccan approach to human rights, characterized by "constant interaction between civil society and the state" and marked by "consensus among all stakeholders rather than compromise, innovation in developing the most suitable responses to the national context, and inclusiveness of all actors, in a participatory approach that includes the 12 regions of the Kingdom."

With conviction, she emphasized that the successful implementation of structural human rights reforms in Morocco "is a testament to the collective effort of all involved," adding that "the establishment of the Rule of Law is a societal project that engages entire nations." Bouayach also stressed the paramount importance of the right to life, calling it "this original, supreme, and absolute right, to which all other rights are subordinate and from which all other rights derive." She urged for a unified commitment to the shared values of equality, solidarity, and non-discrimination, stating: "We must strive towards a unified commitment to our shared values of equality, solidarity, and non-discrimination."

Bouayach's recognition by the Council of Europe is a testament to her unwavering advocacy for human rights at regional and continental levels. The North-South Prize honors her political advocacy for the abolition of the death penalty and efforts to reinforce civil society structures in the Mediterranean region and North-South cooperation based on common democratic values.

The CNDH chairperson is the first Moroccan woman and the third Moroccan to receive the prestigious North-South Prize, following King Mohammed VI's advisor Andre Azoulay and the late former Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi. The North-South Prize has been awarded annually since 1995 to two candidates, including activists, public figures, or organizations, in recognition of their exceptional commitment to promoting North-South solidarity. Previous recipients include esteemed personalities such as former presidents, senior officials, and distinguished figures like Kofi Annan, the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Suzanne Jabbour, the current chair of the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture.

Bouayach's recognition comes as Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to advancing human rights during the 2nd International Seminar on National Mechanisms for the Implementation and Reporting on Human Rights in Asuncion, Paraguay, earlier this month. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized the country's dedication to human rights protection and promotion, in line with King Mohammed VI's vision of a modern, just, and peaceful society.

Bourita highlighted the King's initiatives, such as the family code, the National Initiative for Human Development, and the generalization of social protection, as well as Morocco's active policy of positive interaction with international human rights mechanisms, as a testament to the country's unwavering commitment to human rights. Notably, Morocco was elected to the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council for 2024 last January, with overwhelming support from the council members, reflecting the international community's trust in the country's commitment to human rights.