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Fez – Today, on the sidelines of the 55th ordinary session of the Human Rights Council (CDH) in Geneva, Switzerland, CDH President Omnar Zniber discussed the importance of reform as key to maintaining the confidence of states and civil society in its vital role for the advancement of human rights.
According to Morocco’s MAP, Zniber indicated that the reform project for the CDH, which was initiated post a decision by the UN General Assembly, includes a careful assessment of both positive achievements and gaps.
Zniber originally served as Morocco’s permanent representative in Geneva until he was elected to be president of the CDH this past January.
According to MAP, Zniber highlighted the negative impact of the UN financial crisis on the CDH and its mechanisms, particularly in terms of the organization’s flexibility for meetings and the use of hybrid means to manage CDH events.
Zniber also noted that CDH is keen on addressing several challenges in order to achieve tangible progress in human rights, despite the significant impact of geopolitical crises.
The CDH president insisted on the need for a balance between civil and political rights on the one hand, and economic, social and cultural rights on the other.
In this context, Zniber shed light on the impact of food security issues and health crises has on human rights.
Zniber made his intervention at the 55th session of the CDH, which runs until April 5, in the presence of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Denis Francis; President of the UN General Assembly, Volker Turk; Commissioner for Human Rights, and Ignazio Cassis; Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs.
As part of the reform process, the Council will consider more than 100 reports covering the human rights situation in nearly 45 countries, presented by the UN Secretariat and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as by human rights experts and other investigative bodies.
In total, the CDH will hold 23 interactive discussions with special procedures mandate holders.
The Council, which currently has 47 member countries, will examine several reports relating to the right to housing and food, as well as issues related to climate change and the detainment of human rights activists.
In addition to issues of racial discrimination and xenophobia, the CDH will address children in armed conflicts and people with disabilities.
Morocco has been elected, for the first time in history, to the Presidency of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council for 2024, in an organizational meeting held on January 10 in Geneva.
Morocco sees this as a strong signal from the international community, endorsing its constructive strategy and its cohesive leadership on key issues. These include inter-religious dialogue, tolerance and the fight against racism, the right to a safe and sustainable environment, migrant rights, and the influence of new technologies in the modern age.
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