Morocco calls for stronger safeguards against technology-facilitated violence in Geneva

Thursday 24 - 16:18

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco calls for stronger safeguards against technology-facilitated violence in Geneva

Morocco has called for stronger human rights protections in the development and use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, highlighting the growing risks faced by women and girls in online spaces.

Speaking in Geneva on Thursday during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, a Moroccan representative stressed the need for digital governance frameworks that place human rights at the center of technological innovation. The intervention took place during an interactive dialogue with the Council’s Advisory Committee focusing on technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Morocco welcomed the committee’s work on the issue and reaffirmed its opposition to all forms of gender-based violence, including abuses enabled, amplified or worsened by digital technologies.

The Moroccan delegation pointed to several forms of online abuse that can have serious and lasting consequences, including cyberharassment, the misuse of personal images, digital surveillance and disinformation. Such practices can affect the dignity, privacy, security and fundamental rights of women and girls.

The kingdom also highlighted measures adopted at the national level to strengthen legal and institutional responses to violence against women. Among them is Law 103.13 on combating violence against women, which entered into force in September 2018, as well as the national policy aimed at addressing violence against women and girls through 2030.

Awareness campaigns have also increasingly focused on the dangers associated with digital violence, while efforts are being made to encourage victims to report abuses and seek available forms of assistance.

Morocco further emphasized that technological innovation should contribute to the empowerment and inclusion of women and girls rather than create new forms of vulnerability. Achieving this objective, it said, requires effective accountability mechanisms and accessible avenues for victims to seek remedies.

The Moroccan position also underlined the importance of cooperation between governments, international organizations and technology companies. Such coordination can help strengthen prevention measures, improve responses to digital abuse and ensure that victims have access to effective protection and redress.

As artificial intelligence and digital platforms become increasingly integrated into everyday life, the debate over online safety and human rights is gaining greater international attention. For Morocco, ensuring that technological progress remains compatible with fundamental rights is an essential part of addressing the evolving forms of violence affecting women and girls.