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Assessment and implementation of the UE-Morocco Action Plan in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy: Involvement of the Moroccan civil society
The Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) in partnership with the Moroccan Euromed NGO Network organised, with the support of the European Union, on 25 and 26 October in Rabat, a seminar on EU-Morocco partnership:Assessment of the EU-Morocco Action Plan in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
The seminar brought together around 150 representatives of Morocco’s civil society, as well as representatives of the Moroccan government, the European Commission’s delegation, and the embassies of Portugal and France, current and future holders of the EU Presidency.
At the outcome of the seminar, participating Moroccan NGOs:
- Hailed the invitation of the Moroccan government and the European Union to involve civil society in the implementation and monitoring of the EU-Morocco Action Plan in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).
- Requested the setting up of a joint mechanism by the authorities and civil society for regular and systematic consultations in the political dialogue between the partners and in the monitoring and assessment process of the EU-Morocco Action Plan;
- Requested regular assessment of progress achieved based on precise criteria, indicators and time-line;
- Stated their willingness to draft periodic report containing their own assessment of the implementation of the Action Plan. These reports will be submitted to the authorities with a view to make recommendations for an effective implementation of the Action Plan.
The seminar was devoted to expressing recommendations of civil society concerning the most pressing human rights issues in Morocco, which are:
- Democracy and human rights: Rule of Law, fundamental freedoms, freedom of association, rights of the child, freedom of expression, death penalty…
- Justice : access to and independence of justice, fight against corruption, fight against criminality, rights of prisoners…
- Fundamental human rights of women
- Rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees
- Fundamental economic and social rights: Standards of work, employment and social policy, health, housing rights, right to public services…
- Local governance: local development, sustainable development, protection of the environment,
- Education : Training, culture, youth…
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