Source: http://webcast.un.org/ramgen/conferences/hrc2006/four/hrc070315pm2-eng.rm?start=01:34:28&end=01:39:48

Human Rights Council, Fourth Session
March 15, 2007
General Debate- Introduction of Reports

Morocco

Thank you, Mr. President.  I’d like to thank the High Commissioner for presenting the reports drawn up by her office and the Secretariat of the United Nations.  The large number of these reports, the date of their publication, the time needed simply to read them, means that we’ve had to be very selective in the reports that we are commenting on, which in no way undermines the importance of the other reports.  This, Mr. President, is a field in which there could be an improvement and rationalization, so that we can do justice to all these reports.  

I would like to express support for the statements made on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, and also the forthcoming statement by the African Group.  The King of Morocco attaches very high importance to human rights, and we have taken note with great interest of the reports of the Human Commissioner relating to the world program of education in human rights which reflects the efforts made by the office at the national, regional, and international levels to support the implementation of the program.  In this context, I would like to indicate that for more than ten years, my country has been introducing progressively human rights education culture firstly for agents of law and order, through courses and training seminars, followed by primary school and secondary school pupils and university school students through the creation of a chair of human rights.  Continuing the efforts, Morocco has established a national program for education in human rights, which is referred to very close cooperation between the governmental authorities, national human rights institutions, NGO’s, and other elements of civil society.  This five year plan of action named the Platform of Action for the Promotion of Human Right Culture is based on three pillars- namely involving teaching and education institutions.  Secondly, training stakeholders through training for the younger generations and thirdly, making the public aware of these principles.  This statement to the high-level segment, you will recall, the head of the delegation- the Minister of Justice on behalf of Morocco, drawing up a United Nations Declaration on Education and Human Rights which would enrich the existing human rights instruments based on national experience and international experience in the field.  As regard to the High Commissioner’s report on composition of staff in the office, I take note, with satisfaction, the measures taken to overcome the imbalance that characterizes it. We are aware that it’s obvious that overcoming this situation cannot be done very quickly, but we would like to emphasize that the High Commissioner must step up the efforts so that the Secretariat reflects the various civilizations and cultures.  We are sure it can only have a positive impact on the operation of the Office of the High Commissioner.  In particular, we feel it is essential for staff members working on a particular region to have the necessary skills to understand the specific nature and the issues affecting this region, as well as the particular features of the states that make it up.  Finally, we would wish that the distribution of posts financed by funds also take into account equitable geographical distribution.  As regards to the report on national human rights institutions, we reiterate the importance that we attach to full participation in the work of the Council and would call on the High Commissioner to continue to provide all necessary support.  

Also I would like to thank the Excellencies, Ambassador Juan Martabit on follow up to Durban, which is the pillar for mechanisms for implementing the commitment undertaken at that conference and Ibrahim Salama, Chair of the working group on the right to development for their excellent statements.  

I would like to assure them of the full support of my delegation in all the efforts that they make to implement these important mandates.  And I thank you, sir.