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| Africa North |
| Morocco modernises rights organisations |
| 2011-03-31 |
| [Maghrebia] Two weeks after establishing the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), Morocco reformed another state body. The Mediator Institution, set up in mid-March to replace the 10-year-old Diwan Al Madhalim, will have greater powers to tackle rights abuses and conduct probes. "The changes that have been introduced, namely the introduction of the CNDH to replace the CCDH, and the Mediator to replace Diwan Al Madhalim, along with an inter-ministerial human rights ...which are usually entirely different from personal liberty... department, show that Morocco is hoping to help citizens obtain what they need," academic Abdelhadi L'Mestari told Magharebia. The new body "will be all about safeguarding the dignity of citizens and protecting and advancing their rights, in perfect harmony with international standards in this area", he added. Lawyer and charity worker Abdelziz Benzakour, who is also an activist within the Party for Progress and Socialism (PPS), was picked to preside over the institution. Speaking at his appointment ceremony on Thursday (March 24th), Benzakour said that the task ahead of him would be a lengthy one. The important thing, he added, would be to keep heading in the right direction and always act with the law and duty in mind. The institution will have the power to carry out inquiries and investigations, propose disciplinary action or refer cases to the public prosecutor. Mediators can also make recommendations on the legal aid which should be provided, particularly to the neediest sectors of society. Conciliation and mediation processes will be instituted. According to February 20 Movement activist Najib Maânaoui, the basic task is to put an end to power abuses and to ensure greater democracy and transparency in government. |
| Posted by:Fred |