The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) participated in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Catalina Devandas on 3 March 2020 in Geneva.

Within this framework, the CNDH informed the Special Rapporteur that the National Mechanism for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been established within the CNDH in line with the Moroccan commitment to the international standards, especially Article 33 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

This mechanism is mandated to handle complaints, monitor the implementation of the CRPD, and interact with the international human rights system.

This Mechanism held consultative meetings with the relevant civil society groups and prepared an action plan. This plan seeks to reinforce the principle of participation, raise awareness on the provisions of the CRPD and ensure the independent monitoring at the national level.

Within the same context, the CNDH also emphasized the important role played by national human rights institutions (NHRIs) in monitoring and implementing legislative reforms against discrimination based on disability. Within this context, the CNDH has monitored several issues relating to disability-based discrimination that will be addressed in its annual report.

The CNDH recalled the recommendations of its 2019 memorandum on penal law amendments. More particularly, the CNDH recommended that doctors should not terminate the pregnancy of women suffering from a mental illness, unless the family judge is ensured of their protection and that the situation is safe and legal.

The CNDH also recommended the establishment of a National Commission on Bioethics and Human Rights.