OSCE human rights chief offers support for reforms in Morocco

RABAT, 26 May 2011 - The Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Ambassador Janez Lenarčič, today concluded a two-day visit to Morocco, stressing that the OSCE's institutions are ready to consider requests for support for the country's ongoing reform efforts.

Lenarčič headed a delegation visiting Morocco at the request of the authorities to assess opportunities for co-operation. The delegation comprised experts from ODIHR and the office of the OSCE Co-ordinator for Economic and Environmental Activities, as well as a representative of the OSCE's Lithuanian Chairmanship. 

"As an OSCE partner country, Morocco can benefit from the expertise the Organization has accumulated in assisting with democratic transition processes over the past two decades," Lenarčič said. 

He highlighted in particular possibilities for co-operation in the areas of independence of the judiciary, freedom of the media, democratic elections, legal reviews, and the strengthening of national human rights institutions. Other issues discussed during the visit included the role and functioning of political parties, promoting tolerance, and combating corruption. 

Morocco is not a participating State of the OSCE, but one of the Organization's Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation. As such, it can be eligible for OSCE assistance, provided there is a formal request from the authorities, agreement from OSCE participating States and extra-budgetary funding. 

In a speech given in March 2011, Morocco's head of state, King Mohamed VI., announced a programme of far-reaching democratic reforms in the country.