Morocco's Efforts to Promote Tolerance, Combat Hate Speech Highlighted Before AU-PSC

Morocco’s efforts to promote values of tolerance and combat hate speech were highlighted before the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC).

Speaking on Monday at a public session of the PSC held in hybrid mode on “Hate Crimes and Fighting Genocidal Ideology in Africa & 31st Anniversary Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda”, Ambassador Mohamed Arrouchi, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the AU and UNECA, stressed Morocco’s role leading a multidimensional fight against hate speech, combining a legal framework, the promotion of tolerance and institutional action, noting that at national level, the Constitution enshrines diversity as national wealth, while specific laws repress discrimination.

Institutions such as the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema are bolstering this commitment through in-depth work across the continent against radicalization and extremist ideologies, he recalled, noting that on the international stage, the Kingdom is sparing no effort in promoting a peaceful world order, notably through structuring initiatives including the proclamation by the UN in July 2021, at Morocco’s initiative, of the International Day for Combating Hate Speech, on June 18 each year.

The UN General Assembly also adopted, on July 25, 2023, a resolution put forward by Morocco against the burning of the Holy Quran and hate speech, he said, adding that this resolution “condemns all acts of violence targeting people on the basis of religion or beliefs, thus constituting a violation of international law”.

Arrouchi further stated that, thanks to inter-religious symbiosis, age-old civilizational heritage and deep cultural roots, the Kingdom has for generations embodied an exceptional model of peaceful coexistence, stressing that, as a historic land of welcome for the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities, Morocco has made respect for otherness a fundamental pillar of its national identity.

Far from being a mere ideal, Moroccan tolerance is acted out daily through age-old institutions and deep-rooted social practices, making the Kingdom a beacon of intercultural dialogue and a natural bridge between civilizations, he pointed out.