Morocco Rejects Amnesty International's 'Biased' and 'Systematic' Targeting in Human Rights Report

In a statement released on Monday, the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights (DIDH) denounced Amnesty International's (AI) 2023 report for its section on Morocco, criticizing it as an example of the organization's ongoing and systematic bias against the Kingdom.

The DIDH condemned AI's report for using selective data, cherry-picking cases, and adopting distorted perspectives, leading to inaccurate conclusions based on false narratives and unverified allegations.

The delegation dismissed AI's claim of "intolerance towards freedom of expression," arguing that it is based on a selective presentation of cases, either under trial or already adjudicated, without considering the potential violation of the rule of law and the principle of equality. Furthermore, the DIDH accused AI of perpetuating impunity by protecting individuals involved in public law crimes and denying victims their right to justice, actions that contradict fundamental human rights principles endorsed by international mechanisms.

The DIDH criticized AI for undermining its credibility and professionalism, both essential for evaluating global human rights situations, by including cases outside the report's covered period to support its own agenda.

Additionally, the DIDH took issue with AI's misclassification of certain cases as torture, stating that some relate to extradition procedures under international judicial cooperation, while others lack sufficient evidence to justify such a categorization. The delegation condemned AI's "manipulation through biased and arbitrary classification" and its broader strategy of "manipulation, instrumentalization, and exploitation to serve particular interests."

The DIDH insisted that AI should conduct thorough research and investigations to validate allegations of torture before including them in the report, emphasizing that none of these cases have been officially reported or complained about to competent authorities.

Notably, the DIDH pointed out that AI ignored all clarifications provided by Moroccan authorities to various UN human rights mechanisms regarding the events in the Nador-Melilla region. These clarifications, which are available on official UN websites, include detailed accounts of the events and the measures taken by the Kingdom in line with human rights, justice, and the rule of law. The delegation accused AI of using these events to promote narratives that undermine Morocco's territorial integrity without verifying the accuracy of the information, particularly regarding alleged dispersals of peaceful gatherings and restrictions on associations.

The DIDH emphasized that the visit of the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the Moroccan Sahara proceeded normally, with Moroccan authorities ensuring its success. It also reaffirmed that peaceful gatherings and the right to form associations are protected by the Moroccan Constitution and laws, without discrimination.

Moreover, the Interministerial Delegation noted that the AI report failed to mention the significant human rights violations in the Tindouf camps, despite several international reports indicating cases worthy of investigation. This omission, the DIDH argued, demonstrates AI's blatant bias and interference in the responsibilities of the Security Council regarding the MINURSO mandate.

For all these reasons, the Interministerial Delegation expressed its outright rejection of the allegations and biased positions in the report on Morocco, reaffirming its commitment to engaging constructively with serious and credible international organizations by providing necessary clarifications and data to contribute to objective and realistic assessments of the human rights situation in the Kingdom.