Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), participated on Wednesday, 29 September 2021, in an online Panel Discussion on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the context of Peaceful Protests.

This Panel is part of the 48th Session of the Human Rights Council held in Geneva from 13 September to 8 October 2021.

On this occasion, Ms. Bouayach stated that Morocco noted development in practicing peaceful protests. The use of social networks has increased. They have become, albeit partially, incubation of the right of expression and even the right to assembly. Danger and threat also resulted from the increased use of social networks through publishing speeches that may incite hatred, violence and discrimination.

Ms. Bouayach added that this emerging model of expression is developing at a fast pace. It has become possible to elaborate individuals and groups claims. Besides, she noted that social networks became platforms for consultation and action and essential space for questioning public policies. She also indicated that CNDH noted around 3300 protests during the last lockdown that were planned and discussed online.

In her statement, CNDH Chairperson added that the law regulating protest movements in Morocco became outdated. She also indicated that the Council calls on organizing an open debate on new forms of public expression, which their practice is conditioned by their peaceful nature and respect for universal human rights.

To be noted that in its Annual Report for the year 2020 on the Human Rights Situation in Morocco, CNDH published recommendations on the right of peaceful assembly, calling for:

• Adhering to the new interpretations contained in General Comment No. 37 on the right of peaceful assembly, in particular, online assemblies (Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) published on 17 September 2020 by the UN Human Rights Committee;
• Ensuring the exercise of the right to hold meetings and demonstrations and not unduly restricting it, except in cases that affect public health;
• Continually assessing the restrictions related to public gatherings to determine whether their imposition is still necessary and proportionate;
• Opening the possibility of prior notification to organize demonstrations via e-mail, to implement the principle of digital administrative services;
• Doing not subject the right to demonstrate and assemble to restrictions other than those permitted by constitutional and legal requirements and international human rights instruments, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
• Review the legal requirements related to public assemblies.