UN calls Morocco to end child marriages , criminalize violence against women

Following the 41st session of the UN’s universal periodic review, a number of countries welcomed Morocco’s human rights initiatives. 

Following the presentation of the country’s report on the current human rights situation by the Moroccan Minister of Justice, Abdelatif Ouahbi, the  universal periodic review commended Morocco to take additional action.

 UN member states called on Morocco to ratify the first optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, criminalize violence against women, and incorporate sustainable development goals into its national strategies.

Morocco is advised by these states to revise its family code to prevent discrimination against women in procedures linked to inheritance, divorce, and legal guardianship of kids in particular.

The universal periodic review touched on other aspects such as decriminalizing same-sex marriages in Morocco and ending child marriage.

Abolishing the death penalty, strengthening the freedom of expression association assembly, and of the press along with ensuring the rights of people with disabilities were also requested at the #UPR41.

In an official statement, Sweden acknowledged that Morocco’s Constitution contains provisions protecting the enjoyment of human rights and recognized that Morocco is a party to the major international conventions on human rights. 

“However, serious concerns remain, not least related to the freedoms of opinion, expression, and assembly,” said the release.

This was followed by Sweden making the following recommendations: improving the implementation of the family law in Morocco, especially when it comes to preventing the occurrence of child marriage, and ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), in order to abolish the death penalty.

The Netherlands recommended Morocco to decriminalize same-sex sexual relationships, sexual relationships outside of marriage, and adultery.

It also requested a review of the Moroccan Penal code provisions regarding freedom of expression, in conformity with article 19 of the ICCPR.

Latvia’s recommendation was for Morocco to take measures to foster safe, respectful, and enabling environments for journalists and human rights defenders.