Fez - Mr. Habib Choubani, Minister in Charge of Relations with the Parliament and Civil Society, said on Tuesday in Rabat that the national dialogue on civil society has resulted in the preparation of an integrated draft code, addressing in detail the formation of associations and the participation of civic organizations in the decision-making process for the development of public policy in Morocco.
Fez – Mr. Habib Choubani, Minister in Charge of Relations with the Parliament and Civil Society, said on Tuesday in Rabat that the national dialogue on civil society has resulted in the preparation of an integrated draft code, addressing in detail the formation of associations and the participation of civic organizations in the decision–making process for the development of public policy in Morocco.
Speaking at the Maghreb Arab Press Forum which focused on the practical prospects of an organized civil society in Morocco, Mr. Choubani said that, in ten separate sections and more than 100 articles, the new “code will deal with association life in all its details.” The code will be a legal framework that addresses in great detail the “building [of civic associations], internal democracy, transparency, and contracting with State institutions and territorial communities.”
Regarding the engagement of citizens, the Minister said that the code was designed to “let citizens be true partners in the decisionmaking in accordance with a path organized by a number of legal rules and institutions.”
The draft code stems from recommendations of the Moroccan Commission on National Dialogue, formed in March 2013, which included civic organizations in Morocco, as well as Moroccans living abroad. The Commission met regularly over the past year to discuss better ways to empower Moroccan civil society organizations and engage Moroccan citizens as an integral part of debate and decision–making on public policy.
Highlighting the importance of public participation, King Mohammed VI has directed Mr. Abdelilah Benkirane, the head of government, to designate March 13 a National Day of Civil Society. The national holiday will highlight the crucial work of civic organizations and other stakeholders as participants in public advocacy and will emphasize the importance of the power of civil engagement to Moroccans.
Talking about the king’s decision to mark March 13 a National Day of Civil Society, Mr Choubani said: “The adoption of a national day to celebrate civil society is historic royal decree. This is an occasion to honor and celebrate the effort of civil society in Morocco, and to open a public dialogue to evaluate the past experiences and explore the future prospects.”
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