Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), emphasized the importance of ensuring that judicial rulings align with Morocco’s international commitments regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms.
She delivered this statement at the opening of the international conference on "Procedural Laws Under Reform: Challenges of the Right to Defense and the Protection of Rights," held on February 14 and 15, 2025, in Fez, Morocco. The event was organized by the Fez Bar Association, International Association of Lawyers, and Association of Moroccan Bar Associations (AMBA).
CNDH Chairperson stressed the need to convert human rights principles into concrete measures that guarantee access to justice for all and uphold equality before the law. She highlighted that achieving this goal requires a comprehensive approach that includes key principles such as justice, reform, necessity, legitimacy, proportionality, sustainability, technology, the effectiveness of rights, access to justice, the right to defense, fair trial, legal assistance, the rights of vulnerable groups, strengthening trust, and preventing violations.
She also underscored the importance of addressing issues related to delays in judicial procedures, ensuring the standardization of jurisprudence, enhancing the effectiveness of fair trials, guaranteeing the presence of legal defense at all stages of litigation, facilitating access to legal assistance, and removing material or procedural obstacles that may hinder citizens’ access to justice.
Regarding individuals' right to access justice, Ms. Bouayach stressed that implementing this right requires embedding human rights into everyday life, making them a tangible reality in courtrooms, investigation and interrogation offices, lawyers’ pleadings, and every procedure related to individuals' rights and freedoms. She added that respecting human rights is also measured by the effectiveness of judicial procedures in ensuring justice for victims. This goes beyond merely preventing and punishing violations—it also involves promoting and strengthening a human rights culture, ensuring the effective implementation of rights, institutional commitment to their effectiveness, and the continuous improvement of access to justice.
Furthermore, Ms. Bouayach affirmed that the CNDH continues to follow and contribute to national and international discussions on judicial reform, offering its vision on various legislative projects. She reiterated that effective justice extends far beyond simply redressing victims- it involves building a legal and judicial system that strengthens citizens' trust in the judiciary, upholds the principles of the rule of law, and ensures respect for rights and freedoms.
Download CNDH Chairperson Statement (Available in Arabic)
