On the occasion of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council, the Moroccan forum for young journalists (MFYJ) issued today, a report that presents recommendations aimed at reinforcing the freedom of the press in Morocco.
In its report, the forum especially urges strengthening the Women Journalists Protection System and the legal protection of the confidentiality of journalists’ sources.
The MFYJ also insists on the adoption of gender justice mechanisms within press companies and the prevention of discrimination against female journalists in terms of access to positions of responsibility.
Concerning the legal protection of journalists, the report underlines that this topic often comes up against the maintenance of other legal requirements in the Criminal Code, sometimes affecting the achievements obtained.
In an axis dedicated to the self-organization of the press, the forum calls for a deep review of Law no.90.13 on the creation of the National Press Council and its regulatory texts, in order to ensure that this institution stays in line with this field’s standards.
The Forum also reiterates the provision of legal status for the National Press Council, similar to other national institutions, namely the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication.
In order to monitor the transparency of figures through distribution, sales, and readership, the forum pleads for the creation of a Moroccan office for the verification of promotion and advertisements in print and electronic journalism.
Additionally, the MFYJ calls in its report for simplifying procedures related to access to information and detailing restrictions on the use and reuse of information.
These recommendations intend to enrich the work of the Universal Periodic Review, a mechanism that examines the human rights performance in UN member states.
In November 2022, the general situation of human rights in Morocco will be subject to the assessment of this mechanism for the fourth time.
It is to note that this report is the fruit of several consultations and reflection meetings with journalists, academics, human rights defenders, and representatives of official institutions, held by the Moroccan Forum for Young Journalists over the period between 2019 and 2021.
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