Prison Authority Presents Morocco’s Efforts to Improve Detention Conditions

Rabat – The General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) outlined Morocco’s efforts to improve detention conditions today, August 17.

Mohamed Salah Tamek, the general delegate, presented Morocco’s achievements before an audience of ambassadors and diplomats accredited in Rabat.

Tamek spoke of Morocco’s efforts during the 103rd annual Diplomatic Crossroads, emphasizing the main programs and projects DGAPR initiated to improve detention conditions.

Tamek cited actions that DGAPR implemented to modernize prison management and reinforce governance procedures through human resource development, digitization, or even the integration of a gender-sensitive approach.

The DGAPR intensified the programs for the reintegration of detainees by focusing on education, literacy, vocational and artistic training programs.

The DGAPR also increased its efforts to organize sports, cultural, and religious activities for detainees, Tamek said.

Tamek also described how the DGAPR has deployed initiatives to benefit foreign detainees serving their sentences in Morocco, including facilitating visits by diplomatic representatives to their compatriots.

President of the Diplomatic Foundation, Abdelati Habek said the event provided an opportunity for ambassadors and representatives in Rabat to learn about DGAPR’s programs, which focuses on fighting radicalization and extremism in prisons and facilitating prisoners’ reintegration after they are released.

One of the country’s approaches is the musalaha (reconciliation) program focusing on the rehabilitation of terrorist offenders.

In addition, Morocco has established a prison system that separates Islamic extremists from other “ordinary” criminals to prevent their radical ideologies from affecting other prisoners.

Habek said that Morocco has made the humanization of detention conditions a major axis of respect for human rights.

“This effort will help detainees regain social life as good citizens,” Habek emphasized.

In its 2020 report, DGAPR said that its initiatives focus on human rights by launching a training program, along with preventative measures against torture.

The report said that the program covers 13 sessions attended by 85 prison officials.