Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi continues bilateral discussions on human rights in Geneva.
Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi Engages in Bilateral Talks at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva
On Tuesday, Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi conducted a series of bilateral meetings in Geneva, coinciding with the High-Level Segment of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council. These discussions addressed various topics of mutual interest, particularly in the realm of human rights, as well as the enhancement of bilateral cooperation.
During his meeting with Mr. Thomas Gürber, head of the UN Division and Deputy State Secretary of the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Ouahbi was commended for Morocco’s vote in favor of a universal moratorium on the death penalty. The two officials also discussed the potential organization of an international seminar on the abolition of the death penalty in Morocco, in addition to the process of revising the Family Code, which emphasizes gender equality, children’s rights, and the recognition of domestic work.
Another meeting was held with Mr. Sidi Ahmed Bennane, Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action, and Relations with Civil Society in Mauritania. This meeting facilitated a discussion on the revision of the Family Code, including the possibility of drafting a memorandum of understanding between Morocco and Mauritania to share Morocco’s experiences in the field of human rights and training.
Minister Ouahbi also engaged in discussions with Ms. Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, Chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The dialogues centered on the Family Codes of both countries, the protection of children’s rights, advancements in marriage regulations concerning minors, as well as alternative sentencing and each country’s experiences in this area.
Finally, during his meeting with Ms. Isabelle Rome, France’s Ambassador for Human Rights, the minister received acknowledgment for his commitment to the moratorium on the death penalty and the recognition of efforts in the protection of domestic workers’ rights. The two leaders also discussed the issue of the division of property acquired during marriage, emphasizing the importance of continuing exchanges of experiences on topics of mutual interest in human rights.
Mr. Ouahbi is leading a Moroccan delegation at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council (from February 24 to April 4), comprising representatives from several government ministries and relevant institutions. During his participation in the high-level segment of the session, he delivered Morocco’s Statement at the plenary session and took part in a High-Level Panel on the theme of the "International Network of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMRS)," organized by Morocco in partnership with Portugal and Paraguay.
