Mr. Mounir Bensalah, Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), emphasized the vital role of youth in advancing economic, social, and cultural rights. "As agents of change, youth have the power to actively support the advocacy of these rights through various strategies, including education and awareness."

This was part of his opening remarks at the Regional Dialogue on the Role of Youth in Advancing Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, organized by CNDH and the UN Human Rights Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) in Casablanca, Morocco, on November 21-22, 2024.
 

In this context, Mr. Bensalah highlighted that promoting youth participation is one of CNDH’s strategic priorities. He reviewed key efforts and initiatives aimed at encouraging youth involvement, including strengthening their advocacy skills through training programs and workshops, supporting their participation in international events to voice their perspectives and share their recommendations, and establishing partnership agreements with various youth organizations.

For his part, Mr. Mazen Shaqoura, Regional Representative for the MENA Region of the OHCHR, emphasized that shedding light on the perspectives and aspirations of youth was at the core of the event, with the aim of incorporating them into action plans focused on promoting ESCR and advancing the SDGs, which are closely linked to the realization and enjoyment of these rights. He reaffirmed the OHCHR’s commitment to involving youth in its various initiatives as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance their participation in public life. "Youth should leverage their expertise and competences to devise innovative solutions to the challenges their societies face," he added.

Mr. Mohamed Amarti, Chair of CNDH’s Regional Commission in the Oriental Region and member of the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR), delivered a presentation providing an overview of the international human rights framework. He focused on the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), detailing the nature and scope of the obligations of States Parties under the Covenant.

Thirty participants from Morocco and other Arab countries, with an interest in economic, social, and cultural rights, took part in the meeting. Among them were members of the Office's MENA Youth Network, selected based on criteria that ensure both geographical representation and gender balance.