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Rabat – President of the Moroccan National Human Rights Council (CNDH) Amina Bouayach on Friday delivered a speech during the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission.
Bouayach began by acknowledging the significance of this milestone, stressing that the establishment of the commission in January 2004 “marked a pivotal moment, a cornerstone within the foundations of democratic transition and the strengthening of the state based on justice and the rule of law.”
King Mohammed VI established the commission in response to historical grievances and human rights abuses that occurred during earlier periods in the country’ history.
The commission’s primary objective was to address and acknowledge past injustices, promote reconciliation, and facilitate a process of healing for victims.
She emphasized that the journey did not end with the commission’s recommendations, but evolved into a national charter for rights and freedoms in the Moroccan constitution.
Bouayach recalled the impact of the commission, detailing the execution of its recommendations, from handing over reports to victims and their families, rehabilitation of memory preservation sites, to archiving transitional justice records in Morocco.
The CNDH president expressed the unique and unprecedented nature of Morocco’s experience, describing it as a societal dynamic that draws on past accumulations.
Read also: CNDH Marks Two Decades of ‘Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation’
She highlighted the commission’s role in resolving past issues, as well as paving the way for a continuous transformation in the Moroccan political landscape.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission went beyond addressing past problems; it planted seeds for ongoing change, enriching collective memory and establishing the structural and profound foundations for democratic transformation,” said Bouayach.
The year-long celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the commission began with an exhibition at the CNDH headquarters. It showcased photographs and videos dedicated to the Commission and the committee overseeing the implementation of its recommendations.
Bouayach said that the showcase is “a small but definite glimpse into a journey that witnessed societal dynamism, particularly the experience of the Independent Compensation Committee.”
She credited Morocco’s experience as a quiet, thoughtful, and virtuous approach, one that serves as a genuine model.
She commended the commitment and active engagement of partners from various sectors, as well as acknowledged the government, security and justice sectors, and international partners for their contributions.
“As we approach the completion of restoring and rehabilitating memory preservation spaces, we aim to digitize the archives of transitional justice, preserving the memory of this journey,” she added.
Looking forward, Bouayach promised a diverse and rich program throughout 2024 to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
The celebration will focus on key themes, including memory and history, reports on implementing recommendations, publications on the experience, documentary screenings, and cultural events, both nationally and internationally.
The anniversary saw the presence of various Moroccan figures, including the Minister of Family and Solidarity Aawatif Hayar, and Royal Adviser André Azoulay, among others.
