Ouahbi engages in high-level human rights discussions in Geneva

Wednesday 26 February 2025 - 11:10

Moroccan Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva. These discussions focused on key human rights issues and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

During his meeting with Thomas Guérber, head of the UN division and Deputy Secretary of State at the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Morocco’s vote in favor of a universal moratorium on the death penalty was commended. They also explored the possibility of hosting an international symposium in Morocco on the abolition of capital punishment and discussed the ongoing revision of the Family Code, highlighting principles such as gender equality, children's rights, and the recognition of domestic work. The meeting also facilitated the exchange of expertise on reforms to the Penal Code and alternative sentencing laws.

Ouahbi also met with Sidi Ahmed Bennane, Mauritania's Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action, and Relations with Civil Society, to discuss the Family Code review and a memorandum of understanding to share Morocco’s expertise in human rights and training. Discussions with Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission, addressed both countries' Family Codes, child protection, underage marriage, and alternative penalties. In talks with Isabelle Rome, France’s Ambassador for Human Rights, the minister emphasized Morocco’s support for the moratorium on the death penalty and advancements in domestic workers' rights, as well as discussions on the division of assets acquired during marriage.

Leading a Moroccan delegation at the 58th HRC session (February 24 – April 4), Ouahbi delivered Morocco’s statement in a plenary session and participated in a high-level panel on the "International Network of National Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up Mechanisms (NMIRF)," organized in partnership with Portugal and Paraguay.