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Rabat – The Moroccan Human Rights Council expressed today its view that culture, human rights, and development cannot be treated as separate domains.
CNDH President Amina Bouayach spoke to Morocco World News on the sidelines of a panel discussion at the International Rabat Book Fair (SIEL 2026). The fair opened on May 1 in Rabat and will run until May 10.
The panel was hosted at the CNDH stand at the fair, as part of the opening activities of the first day. It brought together voices from different backgrounds to reflect on the relationship between culture, human rights, and development.
Bouayach explained that the aim of opening the discussion with this theme was to highlight how deeply connected these three areas are. According to her, culture, rights, and development should not be seen as separate topics, but rather as parts of the same system. Development cannot be sustainable unless it is rooted in strong cultural foundations and respect for human rights, she argued.
The CNDH chief added that culture is not just about artistic expression or heritage. It is also about behaviors, mindsets, and daily practices. These shape how people understand and apply rights in society, she explained. In this sense, culture is a key space where human rights are either strengthened or weakened.
Bouayach also pointed out that when discussing human rights, it is important to look at the social and cultural environments in which people live. Laws and policies alone are not enough if attitudes and behaviors do not support them. For her, real change happens when there is alignment between legal frameworks, cultural practices, and development goals.
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Other speakers on the panel contributed to the discussion by focusing on different aspects of the same issue. Some highlighted the role of education in building awareness of rights from an early age. Others spoke about the importance of literature and publishing in shaping public understanding of social issues. Attention was also given to how cultural platforms like book fairs can serve as spaces for dialogue between institutions and the public.
The discussion took place in a lively atmosphere that reflected the broader energy of the opening day of the fair. Visitors, publishers, authors, and institutions filled the venue; a strong start to what is considered one of the most important cultural events in Morocco and the region.
This year’s edition of the Rabat Book Fair has already attracted significant attention, not only because of its wide range of books and exhibitors, but also because of its thematic focus. This year’s edition pays tribute to Ibn Battuta and travel literature to celebrate exploration, mobility, and storytelling across cultures.
The first day for the CNDH also included other activities, such as a children’s event and a book signing session. The institution is expected to continue its participation throughout the fair with a full schedule of panels and engagements in the days ahead.
This year’s edition runs from May 1 to May 10 and brings together a wide international presence. The fair hosts 61 participating countries and a total of 891 exhibitors, including 321 direct exhibitors. The fair stands stretch across a 17,000 square meter area, as it offers everything from literature and social sciences to children’s books and academic publications.
Visitors walked from stand to stand, looking through books, asking questions, and speaking with publishers. It was a place where bibliophiles and writers could meet, and where Morocco connects with the wider world.
