Rabat – In a symposium held on Wednesday, April 23, as part of the 30th edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), Morocco shed light on its ongoing efforts to strengthen legal protections for the blind and visually impaired, within the justice system and in penitentiary institutions.
Organized by the Alaouite Organization for the Promotion of the Blind in Morocco (OAPAM), under the presidency of Princess Lamia Essolh, the event brought together legal experts and human rights advocates and served as a platform to review the country’s progress in enacting laws and implementing institutional measures that promote equality and access to justice for individuals with visual impairments.
Bilal Driouch, a magistrate with the public prosecutor’s office and head of the civil affairs monitoring unit, stressed that people with disabilities must enjoy the same economic and social rights as all citizens, including unimpeded access to justice. He explained in his remarks at the gathering that Morocco’s legal safeguards are rooted in the Moroccan constitution, national legislation, and Royal speeches and messages, all of which reflect a commitment to inclusive legal frameworks.
Driouch also cited the country’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol as an essential part of aligning Morocco’s legal system with international human rights standards. He pointed to a growing number of court rulings that reinforce the legal rights of the blind and visually impaired, along with initiatives by the public prosecutor’s office aimed at easing their access to judicial services.
Addressing the situation in the country’s prisons, Sanaa Alaoui from the General Delegation for Penitentiary Administration and Reintegration presented a detailed overview of policies supporting detainees with disabilities. She revealed that 18 visually impaired individuals are currently incarcerated in Morocco and outlined the state’s efforts to ensure their dignity and access to appropriate services.
Alaoui noted that the framework governing their treatment draws from constitutional values, Royal directives, and legislative provisions, complemented by government policies on disability. She declared the availability of specialized medical care, inclusive rehabilitation programs, and support for reintegration, all delivered through coordinated efforts between sectors.
The symposium also featured insights from Bouchra El Amraoui of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), who discussed the international legal principles protecting the rights of people with visual impairments. She talked about the importance of equality before the law, non-discrimination in judicial procedures, and the necessity of providing reasonable accommodations.
El Amraoui stressed that visually impaired individuals must be empowered to make their own legal decisions, such as signing official documents and initiating legal actions. She called for stronger mechanisms to support decision-making and clear communication to help individuals navigate legal procedures effectively.
The event is part of OAPAM’s broader commitment to defending the rights of people with disabilities and addressing the specific challenges faced by the blind and visually impaired in judicial and penitentiary settings. The organization aims to continue working on practical proposals to improve their status within Morocco’s legal system and elevate the accessibility barriers to the barriers faced by the visually impaired in accessing justice.
The 30th edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), is currently underway in Rabat, running from April 17 to 27. Held at the Espace OLM Souissi under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, this year’s event brings together over 775 exhibitors from 51 countries, offering more than 100,000 titles to visitors.
