Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), took part in the Seventh International Parliamentary Forum on Social Justice initiated by the Council of Advisers in partnership with the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), on Tuesday 21 February 2023, under the theme "Human Capital: a fundamental lever of social justice".

In her statement, she emphasized the importance of strengthening human capital as one of the social justice stakes that should, necessarily, be based on preserving human dignity and overcoming the needs-based approach in addressing development issues.

Within this context, she indicated that strengthening human capital is an essential condition for achieving development. It involves significant human rights stakes, given the obvious interdependence between human empowerment and enhancing opportunities for his/her positive integration into society without discrimination or marginalization.

Ms. Bouayach considered that preserving citizens’ dignity requires strengthening their capacities and providing them access to their fundamental rights, particularly their empowerment rights:  the right to health and the right to education. She also noted that protecting these two rights is, at the same time, a requirement for strengthening the national human capital and a criterion for measuring the achievement of social justice.

Within the same context, CNDH Chairperson called for considering adopting human rights-based approach in developing public policies and supporting the effectiveness of human rights, as a necessity required in managing the new social contract between the citizen and the State. She also concluded that contractual dimensions will help address social and territorial inequalities and marginalization.

Ms. Bouayach expressed the CNDH’s concern about the persistence of inequality and discrimination against women, which hinder the development of their capacities and keep them, from an early age, on the margins of development. This means disrupting nearly 50% of the country's human capital and increasing disparities. She also stressed that strengthening human capital is a strategic choice requiring the public authorities to rearrange their priorities toward focusing on human development and reducing inequalities.

Stakeholders at the Seventh International Parliamentary Forum addressed several issues, including universal access to good health care and social protection, improvement of education, valuing human resources in a professional environment as a lever for economic and social well-being, and cultural diversity and stakes in building an open and cohesive society.

Government members, parliamentarians, President and members of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), several CNDH Regional Commissions Presidents, Political parties general secretaries, professional and trade union organizations, professors and experts, etc. participated in this event.