Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), emphasized for the adoption of comprehensive approaches in emerging cities to ensure a balance between urban development and human rights protection. She called for integrated development that considers environmental, economic and social aspects.
At the opening session of the fourth edition of “Human Rights Agora” organized on Thursday 18 July 2024, on “The Right to the City and the City of Rights: Challenges of Emerging Cities”, Ms. Bouayach highlighted the importance of defining the status of emerging cities and addressing the challenges related to urban legislation. These steps are crucial for formulating effective policies that cater to the needs of all citizens and promote inclusivity.
She further underscored in her statement, delivered on her behalf by Mr. Mustapha Merizak, CNDH member and Coordinator of the Standing Committee on Promoting Human Rights Culture and Democratic Construction, that achieving sustainable development in emerging cities is the ultimate objective pursued by the CNDH. She stressed that this development should be comprehensive and integrated, taking into account environmental, economic, and social aspects.
In the same context, Ms. Bouayach shed light on the crucial role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in promoting human rights in emerging cities. She stressed that NHRIs have significant responsibilities related to monitoring human rights conditions and providing recommendations to relevant governments and institutions. Ms. Bouayach noted that the right to the city is fundamental human rights recognized within the global human rights system and affirmed in several international conventions.
Mr. Mohamed Laarissa, President of the Regional Human Rights commission (CRDH) in the Marrakech-Safi region, facilitated this conference.
Ms. Zahira Fontier, Rapporteur of the Standing Committee on Promoting Human Rights Culture and Democratic Construction participated in this event.
Stakeholders addressed several key themes, including the Right to the City as a fundamental approach to achieving spatial and social justice, status of emerging cities, development of urban public policies in Morocco, sustainable development in emerging cities, and forms of expression and participation in response of urban expansion and growth of emerging cities.
They discussed the importance of developing the national legislative system related to construction and housing issues to align with standards ensuring the right to adequate housing. This includes providing the necessary infrastructure to implement this right and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Discussions also emphasized the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in urban policy and enhancing coordination among them. Moreover, integrating human rights into the programs of governmental entities and communes to reduce social disparities was highlighted.
Additionally, the discussions addressed various aspects aiming at strengthening governmental policies to build cities that are inclusive of their residents, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and social rights, as stipulated in several international conventions and protocols.
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