Morocco welcomes Abu Dhabi declaration on international cooperation against crime

08:42

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco welcomes Abu Dhabi declaration on international cooperation against crime

Morocco has welcomed the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration at the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, describing it as a framework for strengthening international cooperation in crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law.

The declaration was adopted at the opening of the UN congress in Abu Dhabi and is intended to guide international efforts in these areas over the coming years. The congress, held from September 26 to October 1, brought together policymakers, government officials, experts, academics and civil society representatives from around the world. More than 5,100 participants attended, including more than 40 justice ministers, according to Moroccan official sources.

Speaking on behalf of the Moroccan delegation during the closing session, Ahmed Ouali Alami, secretary-general of the Presidency of the Public Prosecution, said Morocco took part with a focus on sharing its experience while learning from international practices. He highlighted prevention, cooperation, human dignity, institutional development and international solidarity as key elements of an effective response to crime.

Morocco also reaffirmed its willingness to strengthen cooperation with UN member states, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other international and regional partners. The Moroccan delegation presented the country's national commitment as part of efforts to translate international commitments into practical programmes and measurable actions.

Discussions during the congress covered a broad range of issues, including criminal justice, digitalisation, corruption, organised crime, judicial cooperation and capacity building. Participants also examined approaches to victim protection, alternative sanctions, rehabilitation and social reintegration, data collection and analysis, digital justice and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

For Morocco, the increasing use of technology in justice systems should remain linked to human rights and the rule of law. The Moroccan delegation stressed that digital tools and artificial intelligence can support judicial systems but should not replace the legal safeguards and human-centred principles underpinning justice.

The congress also provided an opportunity for Morocco to exchange views with international and regional organisations and explore new areas of cooperation. Earlier during the meeting, Morocco was elected vice-president of the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, with Ambassador Azzeddine Farhane representing the Kingdom on behalf of the African Group.

The Abu Dhabi meeting focused on strengthening international dialogue and cooperation on crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law. Its agenda also addressed emerging forms of crime, including cybercrime, financial and environmental offences, organised crime and the challenges created by rapid technological change.

The main challenge now will be translating the commitments adopted at the congress into concrete measures, stronger institutional capacity and closer international cooperation. For Morocco, this includes continuing to exchange expertise and develop practical partnerships aimed at improving criminal justice systems while maintaining a focus on human dignity and legal protections.