Morocco's vote for death penalty moratorium aligns with human rights advocacy

Wednesday 26 February 2025 - 16:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's vote for death penalty moratorium aligns with human rights advocacy

Morocco’s recent vote in favor of a moratorium on the application of the death penalty reflects years of human rights advocacy and aligns with the recommendations of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH). The announcement was made on Tuesday in Geneva during a high-level panel at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC).

Mustapha Najmi, director of human rights promotion at the CNDH, emphasized the importance of using this momentum to amend the Penal Code and formally abolish capital punishment both in law and practice. The CNDH has long been engaged in national, regional, and international efforts to advocate for the end of the death penalty.

Following Morocco’s historic vote on the UN resolution establishing the moratorium, CNDH President Amina Bouayach urged the government and parliament to take legislative action to permanently eliminate the death penalty. She highlighted the necessity of aligning legal provisions with Article 20 of the Constitution, which enshrines the right to life, as well as with Morocco’s international commitments.

During his intervention at the HRC, Najmi reiterated the CNDH’s call for the government to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. He also commended Morocco’s longstanding de facto moratorium, as the country has not carried out an execution for decades.

While awaiting an official abolition, the CNDH remains committed to monitoring the conditions of inmates sentenced to death. This includes observing trials, conducting prison visits, and providing support to vulnerable detainees, reinforcing Morocco’s progressive approach to human rights protection.