The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) participated in the International Symposium on “Inclusive Education: Reality and Prospects” on 13 and 14 February 2019 in Tetouan, Morocco.

Under the Patronage of His Majesty the King Mohammed VI, this event, which was supported by the CNDH, was organized by Association Hanane (a Moroccan association working on issues related to persons with disabilities).

This International Symposium aims at examining the development of inclusive education and its contribution to integrating children with disabilities in society.

Mr. Mohammed Dardouri, Wali and National Coordinator of the National Initiative for Human Development and Mr. Abdeslamn El Bakouri took part in the opening session.

At this event, the CNDH, represented by Bouchra Amraoui, stressed the role of effective partnership with organizations working in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and recognized their significant contribution to build mechanisms of advocacy and support.

The CNDH also reaffirmed that according to article 19 of the new law 76.15 on its organization, the Council is mandated with the powers of a National Monitoring Mechanism for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as provided in article 33, paragraph 2 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Furthermore, the CNDH is monitoring the national implementation of the CRPD.

Experts from four continents (Burkina Faso, Spain, Egypt, Lebanon, France, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Togo, Mexico, Portugal, Senegal and Morocco) took part in this international symposium.

This event recommended that: quality inclusive education be provided in accordance with the Constitution; early education programs in remote areas be reinforced, mechanisms and support systems for integration in secondary schools be set up, curriculum and assessment be developed taking into account various needs of students, inclusive training programs for teaching professionals be developed, technological means in education and training programs be used, social awareness be raised and the role of media in changing stereotypes on persons with disabilities be enhanced.