Morocco to Host First African Office of Hague International Law Organization

Tuesday 03 June 2025 - 09:02

By: Zahouani Ilham

Morocco to Host First African Office of Hague International Law Organization

the Kingdom of Morocco signed a landmark agreement with the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCPL) in Rabat, marking the establishment of the organization's first regional office in Africa. This initiative signifies a major step in enhancing legal cooperation across the continent.

The headquarters agreement was signed in the presence of Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, alongside the Secretary-General of HCPL, Christophe Bernasconi. Bernasconi commended Morocco's strong record in implementing international legal frameworks. Also attending was Rachid Ouazifi, Director of Civil Affairs at the Ministry of Justice, representing the central authority tasked with applying the HCPL’s legal conventions.

Bernasconi stated that the new regional office will amplify the effectiveness of the organization's legal instruments, particularly in family law, child protection, the resolution of cross-border disputes, and the authentication of official documents.

Morocco’s selection was unanimous during the Council on General Affairs and Policy held from March 4 to 7, 2025, at The Hague Academy, attended by representatives from 75 member states, 44 non-member countries, and various international organizations.

This new office is the third of its kind globally, after existing offices in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. Its establishment highlights the international community's confidence in Morocco’s legal expertise and its strategic role in advancing private international law in Africa.

Founded in 1893, the Hague Conference on Private International Law is among the world’s oldest intergovernmental organizations. With 91 member states and the European Union as members, it aims to harmonize private international law through global conventions and instruments.