| MOROCCO Kingdom of Morocco Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah Joined United Nations: 12 November 1956 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 04/09/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Rabat
31,285,174 (July 2009 est.)
Mohamed VI
King since 30 July 1999
King since 30 July 1999
Ascended to the throne upon the death of his father King
Hassan II after 38 year rule
The monarchy is hereditary; heir apparent is Crown
Prince Moulay Al-Hassan
Hassan II after 38 year rule
The monarchy is hereditary; heir apparent is Crown
Prince Moulay Al-Hassan
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Abbas El Fassi
Prime Minister since 19 September 2007
Prime Minister since 19 September 2007
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
the leader of the majority coalition is usually the prime minister
the leader of the majority coalition is usually the prime minister
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%
| RELIGIONS |
Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional monarchy comprised of 15 regions Legal system is based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil
law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch following legislative elections
Legislative: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Chamber of Counselors (270 seats; members
elected indirectly by local councils, professional organizations, and labor syndicates for nine-year terms; one-third of
the members are renewed every three years) and a lower house or Chamber of Representatives (325 seats; 295 by
multi-seat constituencies and 30 from national lists of women; members elected by popular vote for five-year terms)
elections: Chamber of Counselors - last held 8 September 2006 (next to be held in 2009); Chamber of
Representatives - last held 7 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are appointed on the recommendation of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary,
presided over by the monarch)
law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch following legislative elections
Legislative: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Chamber of Counselors (270 seats; members
elected indirectly by local councils, professional organizations, and labor syndicates for nine-year terms; one-third of
the members are renewed every three years) and a lower house or Chamber of Representatives (325 seats; 295 by
multi-seat constituencies and 30 from national lists of women; members elected by popular vote for five-year terms)
elections: Chamber of Counselors - last held 8 September 2006 (next to be held in 2009); Chamber of
Representatives - last held 7 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are appointed on the recommendation of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary,
presided over by the monarch)
| LANGUAGES |
Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Economic policies pursued since 2003 by King Mohammed VI have brought macroeconomic stability to the country
with generally low inflation, improved financial sector performance, and steady progress in developing the services
and industrial sectors. The National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), a $2 billion initiative launched by the
King in 2005, has improved social welfare through a successful rural electrification program, an overhaul of the
tourism and agriculture sectors, and the gradual replacement of urban slums with decent housing. Despite the INDH's
success, Morocco continues to grapple with a high illiteracy rate, a low education enrollment rate, and a high urban
youth unemployment rate of around 30%. Moroccan exports have dropped sharply since mid-2008 as a result of the
decline in global phosphates prices--the bulk of Moroccan exports by value--and the global economic slowdown.
The recession in Europe--Morocco's main export market--also prompted a decline in the flow of foreign tourists and
remittances, two primary sources of foreign currency. A record agricultural harvest, strong government spending, and
domestic consumption, however, combined to offset losses from weak exports and helped GDP grow by 5.1% in
2009. Despite structural adjustment programs supported by the IMF, the World Bank, and the Paris Club, the
dirham is only fully convertible for selected transactions. In 2006, Morocco entered a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
with the US, and in 2008 entered into an advanced status in its 2000 Association Agreement with the EU.
Morocco's primary economic challenge is to accelerate and sustain growth in order to reduce high levels of
unemployment and underemployment. Long-term challenges include improving education and job prospects for
Morocco's youth, closing the income gap between the rich and the poor, confronting corruption, and expanding and
diversifying exports beyond phosphates and low-value added products.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Morocco)
with generally low inflation, improved financial sector performance, and steady progress in developing the services
and industrial sectors. The National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), a $2 billion initiative launched by the
King in 2005, has improved social welfare through a successful rural electrification program, an overhaul of the
tourism and agriculture sectors, and the gradual replacement of urban slums with decent housing. Despite the INDH's
success, Morocco continues to grapple with a high illiteracy rate, a low education enrollment rate, and a high urban
youth unemployment rate of around 30%. Moroccan exports have dropped sharply since mid-2008 as a result of the
decline in global phosphates prices--the bulk of Moroccan exports by value--and the global economic slowdown.
The recession in Europe--Morocco's main export market--also prompted a decline in the flow of foreign tourists and
remittances, two primary sources of foreign currency. A record agricultural harvest, strong government spending, and
domestic consumption, however, combined to offset losses from weak exports and helped GDP grow by 5.1% in
2009. Despite structural adjustment programs supported by the IMF, the World Bank, and the Paris Club, the
dirham is only fully convertible for selected transactions. In 2006, Morocco entered a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
with the US, and in 2008 entered into an advanced status in its 2000 Association Agreement with the EU.
Morocco's primary economic challenge is to accelerate and sustain growth in order to reduce high levels of
unemployment and underemployment. Long-term challenges include improving education and job prospects for
Morocco's youth, closing the income gap between the rich and the poor, confronting corruption, and expanding and
diversifying exports beyond phosphates and low-value added products.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Morocco)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The constitution grants the king extensive powers; he is both the political leader and the "Defender of the Faith". He
presides over the Council of Ministers; appoints the Prime Minister following legislative elections, and on
recommendations from the latter, appoints the members of the government. While the constitution theoretically allows
the king to terminate the tenure of any minister, and after consultation with the heads of the higher and lower
Assemblies, to dissolve the Parliament, suspend the constitution, call for new elections, or rule by decree, the only
time this happened was in 1965. The King is formally the chief of the military. Upon the death of his father
Mohammed V, King Hassan II succeeded to the throne in 1961. He ruled Morocco for the next 38 years, until he
died in 1999. His son, King Mohammed VI, assumed the throne in July 1999.
Following the March 1998 elections, a coalition government headed by opposition socialist leader Abderrahmane
Youssoufi and composed largely of ministers drawn from opposition parties, was formed. Prime Minister Youssoufi's
government is the first government drawn primarily from opposition parties in decades, and also represents the first
opportunity for a coalition of socialist, left-of-center, and nationalist parties to be included in the government until
October 2002. It was also the first time in the modern political history of the Arab world that the opposition assumed
power following an election. The current government is headed by Abbas El Fassi.
Click here to read more »
presides over the Council of Ministers; appoints the Prime Minister following legislative elections, and on
recommendations from the latter, appoints the members of the government. While the constitution theoretically allows
the king to terminate the tenure of any minister, and after consultation with the heads of the higher and lower
Assemblies, to dissolve the Parliament, suspend the constitution, call for new elections, or rule by decree, the only
time this happened was in 1965. The King is formally the chief of the military. Upon the death of his father
Mohammed V, King Hassan II succeeded to the throne in 1961. He ruled Morocco for the next 38 years, until he
died in 1999. His son, King Mohammed VI, assumed the throne in July 1999.
Following the March 1998 elections, a coalition government headed by opposition socialist leader Abderrahmane
Youssoufi and composed largely of ministers drawn from opposition parties, was formed. Prime Minister Youssoufi's
government is the first government drawn primarily from opposition parties in decades, and also represents the first
opportunity for a coalition of socialist, left-of-center, and nationalist parties to be included in the government until
October 2002. It was also the first time in the modern political history of the Arab world that the opposition assumed
power following an election. The current government is headed by Abbas El Fassi.
Click here to read more »
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Claims and administers Western Sahara whose sovereignty remains unresolved - UN-administered cease-fire has
remained in effect since September 1991, but attempts to hold a referendum have failed and parties thus far have
rejected all brokered proposals; Morocco protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and
Penon de Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters;
discussions have not progressed on a comprehensive maritime delimitation, setting limits on resource exploration and
refugee interdiction, since Morocco's 2002 rejection of Spain's unilateral designation of a median line from the
Canary Islands; Morocco serves as one of the primary launching areas of illegal migration into Spain from North
Africa
remained in effect since September 1991, but attempts to hold a referendum have failed and parties thus far have
rejected all brokered proposals; Morocco protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and
Penon de Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters;
discussions have not progressed on a comprehensive maritime delimitation, setting limits on resource exploration and
refugee interdiction, since Morocco's 2002 rejection of Spain's unilateral designation of a median line from the
Canary Islands; Morocco serves as one of the primary launching areas of illegal migration into Spain from North
Africa
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
One of the world's largest producers of illicit hashish; shipments of hashish mostly directed to Western Europe;
transit point for cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe; significant consumer of cannabis
transit point for cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe; significant consumer of cannabis
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Practices: Morocco
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Morocco is a monarchy with a constitution, an elected parliament, and a population of approximately 34 million. According to the
constitution, ultimate authority rests with King Mohammed VI, who presides over the Council of Ministers and appoints or
approves members of the government. The king may dismiss ministers, dissolve parliament, call for new elections, and rule by
decree. In the bicameral legislature, the lower house may dissolve the government through a vote of no confidence. The September
2007 parliamentary elections for the lower house went smoothly and were marked by transparency and professionalism.
International observers judged that those elections were relatively free from government-sponsored irregularities. The civilian
authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Morocco is a monarchy with a constitution, an elected parliament, and a population of approximately 34 million. According to the
constitution, ultimate authority rests with King Mohammed VI, who presides over the Council of Ministers and appoints or
approves members of the government. The king may dismiss ministers, dissolve parliament, call for new elections, and rule by
decree. In the bicameral legislature, the lower house may dissolve the government through a vote of no confidence. The September
2007 parliamentary elections for the lower house went smoothly and were marked by transparency and professionalism.
International observers judged that those elections were relatively free from government-sponsored irregularities. The civilian
authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
- Citizens did not have the right to change the constitutional provisions establishing their monarchical form of government or
the establishment of Islam as the state religion. - There were reports of torture and other abuses by various branches of the security forces.
- Prison conditions remained below international standards.
- Reports of arbitrary arrests, incommunicado detentions, and police and security force impunity continued.
- Politics, as well as corruption and inefficiency, influenced the judiciary, which was not fully independent.
- The government restricted press freedoms.
- Corruption was a serious problem in all branches of government.
- Child labor, particularly in the unregulated informal sector, remained a problem,
- trafficking in persons continued.
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
February 9, 2010
Original: French
Council of Human Rights Thirteenth Session
Item 3 of the agenda
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural including the right to
development
Report of the Working Group on Disappearances Enforced or Involuntary
Mission to Morocco **
Summary
At the invitation of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Working Group on Disappearances Enforced or Involuntary are visited from 22
to 25 June 2009. The Working was represented by its President Santiago Corcuera, and two of its members, Olivier of Frouville
and Jeremy Sarkin. The purpose of the visit was to gather information for to clarify some unresolved cases of enforced or
involuntary disappearances, to examine the situation of disappearances in the country in light of international standards human
rights and to review the work of the Equity and Reconciliation (IER).
The Working Group welcomed the work of the IER and believes that this experience should serve as a model for other states. It
welcomes in particular its approach the gender, practice, public hearings, its efforts to establish the truth serious violations of
human rights and its creative approach to repair distinguishing individual redress and community reparation. The Working Group
regrets that, four years after the completion of IER, many of its recommendations have been implemented, although this task of
monitoring has been entrusted to the national institution for human rights, Consultative Council on Human Rights (CCHR), whose
independence and powers should be further strengthened.
If the ERC has done at least partly the light of 742 forced disappearances, complete list of names of those missing and full details
of their cases have not yet been published. Doubts remain about the identity of some bodies exhumed the Kingdom of Morocco has
dissipated by conducting DNA analysis. Similarly, the lack of published figures and decisions regarding individual remedy
impossible to assess fully the results of this part of program. As for community reparation, the Working Group encourages
Morocco to accelerate its implementation in respect of the participatory process defined by the ERC.
The Task Force received allegations of enforced disappearances have occurred after 1999, in the context of the fight against
terrorism and, while Noting the Government's stated desire to no longer tolerate this type of practice, called to take all necessary
measures to prevent recurrence of such practices in the future.
Click here to read more »
February 9, 2010
Original: French
Council of Human Rights Thirteenth Session
Item 3 of the agenda
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural including the right to
development
Report of the Working Group on Disappearances Enforced or Involuntary
Mission to Morocco **
Summary
At the invitation of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Working Group on Disappearances Enforced or Involuntary are visited from 22
to 25 June 2009. The Working was represented by its President Santiago Corcuera, and two of its members, Olivier of Frouville
and Jeremy Sarkin. The purpose of the visit was to gather information for to clarify some unresolved cases of enforced or
involuntary disappearances, to examine the situation of disappearances in the country in light of international standards human
rights and to review the work of the Equity and Reconciliation (IER).
The Working Group welcomed the work of the IER and believes that this experience should serve as a model for other states. It
welcomes in particular its approach the gender, practice, public hearings, its efforts to establish the truth serious violations of
human rights and its creative approach to repair distinguishing individual redress and community reparation. The Working Group
regrets that, four years after the completion of IER, many of its recommendations have been implemented, although this task of
monitoring has been entrusted to the national institution for human rights, Consultative Council on Human Rights (CCHR), whose
independence and powers should be further strengthened.
If the ERC has done at least partly the light of 742 forced disappearances, complete list of names of those missing and full details
of their cases have not yet been published. Doubts remain about the identity of some bodies exhumed the Kingdom of Morocco has
dissipated by conducting DNA analysis. Similarly, the lack of published figures and decisions regarding individual remedy
impossible to assess fully the results of this part of program. As for community reparation, the Working Group encourages
Morocco to accelerate its implementation in respect of the participatory process defined by the ERC.
The Task Force received allegations of enforced disappearances have occurred after 1999, in the context of the fight against
terrorism and, while Noting the Government's stated desire to no longer tolerate this type of practice, called to take all necessary
measures to prevent recurrence of such practices in the future.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2009 Report
Political Rights Score: 5
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Explanatory Note
The numerical ratings and status listed above do not reflect conditions in Western Sahara, which is examined in a
separate report.
Overview:
During 2008, Morocco continued to struggle to institutionalize reforms to advance democracy and human rights. Despite the
government’s establishment of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission in 2004 to address past government abuses, authorities
have since proven intolerant of public discussion of current abuses. Demonstrations in late May and early June against
unemployment in the southern port city of Sidi Ifni were forcibly disbursed, and local human rights groups alleged that security
forces committed abuses. The government continued to crack down on the press during the year, with critical journalists subject to
harassment, fines, and even imprisonment.
From all indications, it seems doubtful that authorities plan to make significant institutional reform. In 2008, the government
continued to harass critics, including journalists and activists.
Morocco is not an electoral democracy. Most power is still held by the king and his close advisers. The monarch can dissolve
Parliament, rule by decree, and dismiss or appoint cabinet members. He sets national and foreign policy, commands the armed
forces, and presides over the judicial system. One of the king’s constitutional titles is “commander of the faithful,” giving his
authority a religious dimension.
Given the concentration of power in the monarchy, opposition parties and even the cabinet are generally unable to assert
themselves. The most vocal opposition party that remains respectful of the monarchy is the Justice and Development Party (PJD.)
The most popular non-legal opposition movement is the Justice and Charity Movement headed by Nadia Yassine, the daughter of
the founder of the movement, Abdesslam Yassine.Other, more overtly nonviolent Islamist groups that criticize the monarchical
system are harassed by authorities and not permitted to participate in the political process.
Despite the government’s promises to address corruption, it remains a serious problem. People with close ties to the monarchy
receive preferential treatment in business and other matters. Morocco was ranked 80 out of 180 countries surveyed in
Transparency International’s 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 5
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Explanatory Note
The numerical ratings and status listed above do not reflect conditions in Western Sahara, which is examined in a
separate report.
Overview:
During 2008, Morocco continued to struggle to institutionalize reforms to advance democracy and human rights. Despite the
government’s establishment of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission in 2004 to address past government abuses, authorities
have since proven intolerant of public discussion of current abuses. Demonstrations in late May and early June against
unemployment in the southern port city of Sidi Ifni were forcibly disbursed, and local human rights groups alleged that security
forces committed abuses. The government continued to crack down on the press during the year, with critical journalists subject to
harassment, fines, and even imprisonment.
From all indications, it seems doubtful that authorities plan to make significant institutional reform. In 2008, the government
continued to harass critics, including journalists and activists.
Morocco is not an electoral democracy. Most power is still held by the king and his close advisers. The monarch can dissolve
Parliament, rule by decree, and dismiss or appoint cabinet members. He sets national and foreign policy, commands the armed
forces, and presides over the judicial system. One of the king’s constitutional titles is “commander of the faithful,” giving his
authority a religious dimension.
Given the concentration of power in the monarchy, opposition parties and even the cabinet are generally unable to assert
themselves. The most vocal opposition party that remains respectful of the monarchy is the Justice and Development Party (PJD.)
The most popular non-legal opposition movement is the Justice and Charity Movement headed by Nadia Yassine, the daughter of
the founder of the movement, Abdesslam Yassine.Other, more overtly nonviolent Islamist groups that criticize the monarchical
system are harassed by authorities and not permitted to participate in the political process.
Despite the government’s promises to address corruption, it remains a serious problem. People with close ties to the monarchy
receive preferential treatment in business and other matters. Morocco was ranked 80 out of 180 countries surveyed in
Transparency International’s 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index.
Click here to read more »
Morocco: Students convicted in a trial marred by torture allegations
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC STATEMENT
Date: 1 April 2010
Amnesty International deplores that 11 students of the Marrakesh Cadi Ayyad University are languishing in jail instead of continuing
their studies. Yesterday, the Marrakesh Court of Appeal upheld the decision of a lower court against ten of the 11 students, and
raised the sentence from two to three years’ imprisonment for the 11thstudent. The students’ trials were marred by allegations of
torture or other ill-treatment, which the tribunals failed to take into account.
Zohra Boudkhour, the only female detainee, Galal Al-Qitbi, Abdelallah Al-Rashidi, Alaa Al-Dirbili, Mohamed Gamili, Youssef
Mashdoufi, Mohamed Al-Arabi Gadi, Youssef Al-Alawi, Khaled Mouftah, Mourad Al-Chouni and Ousman Al-Chouni, were arrested
on 15 May 2008; following clashes between law enforcement officials and students who were attempting to organize a protest
marchfrom the Faculty of Law to the office of the Rector of the University located in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. They were
calling for better conditions for students and respect of freedom of expression. The 11 students are all members of the National
Union of Moroccan Students and most are also members or supporters of the leftist student movement, Democratic Path (Voie
démocratique).
The 11 students were all reportedly tortured or otherwise ill-treated during their arrest, transportation from the university to the
Gamaa Al-Fanaa Police station and in the course of their garde à vue(pre-arraignment detention), between 15 and 18 May. For
instance, Mourad Al-Chouni was reportedly ordered to rape his brother Ousman, under threats of being raped should he refuse.
Zohra Boudkhour said she was made to stand naked for several hours following a request she made to one of the police officers for
a sanitary pad.
On 18 May 2008, the students – all of who bore visible marks of injuries – requested investigations into their reports of torture as
well as medical examinations when they were brought before the Crown Prosecutor. In contravention of the Moroccan Code of
Criminal Procedure (Article 134) which requires the Investigative Judge to order a medical examination if requested by the
detainees or their lawyers, or if there are visible signs of ill-treatment to prompt an examination; the students were only seen by
medical professionals several weeks after their garde à vue. Their examination was reportedly not thorough, and no medical
examination reports were shared with the students or their lawyers. Additionally, while the Crown Prosecutor arranged for the
questioning of a number of students following their complaints of torture; a full, impartial and independent investigation was not
conducted; the results of the investigation were not made available to the students’ lawyers and no perpetrators were held to
account.
Click here to read more »
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC STATEMENT
Date: 1 April 2010
Amnesty International deplores that 11 students of the Marrakesh Cadi Ayyad University are languishing in jail instead of continuing
their studies. Yesterday, the Marrakesh Court of Appeal upheld the decision of a lower court against ten of the 11 students, and
raised the sentence from two to three years’ imprisonment for the 11thstudent. The students’ trials were marred by allegations of
torture or other ill-treatment, which the tribunals failed to take into account.
Zohra Boudkhour, the only female detainee, Galal Al-Qitbi, Abdelallah Al-Rashidi, Alaa Al-Dirbili, Mohamed Gamili, Youssef
Mashdoufi, Mohamed Al-Arabi Gadi, Youssef Al-Alawi, Khaled Mouftah, Mourad Al-Chouni and Ousman Al-Chouni, were arrested
on 15 May 2008; following clashes between law enforcement officials and students who were attempting to organize a protest
marchfrom the Faculty of Law to the office of the Rector of the University located in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. They were
calling for better conditions for students and respect of freedom of expression. The 11 students are all members of the National
Union of Moroccan Students and most are also members or supporters of the leftist student movement, Democratic Path (Voie
démocratique).
The 11 students were all reportedly tortured or otherwise ill-treated during their arrest, transportation from the university to the
Gamaa Al-Fanaa Police station and in the course of their garde à vue(pre-arraignment detention), between 15 and 18 May. For
instance, Mourad Al-Chouni was reportedly ordered to rape his brother Ousman, under threats of being raped should he refuse.
Zohra Boudkhour said she was made to stand naked for several hours following a request she made to one of the police officers for
a sanitary pad.
On 18 May 2008, the students – all of who bore visible marks of injuries – requested investigations into their reports of torture as
well as medical examinations when they were brought before the Crown Prosecutor. In contravention of the Moroccan Code of
Criminal Procedure (Article 134) which requires the Investigative Judge to order a medical examination if requested by the
detainees or their lawyers, or if there are visible signs of ill-treatment to prompt an examination; the students were only seen by
medical professionals several weeks after their garde à vue. Their examination was reportedly not thorough, and no medical
examination reports were shared with the students or their lawyers. Additionally, while the Crown Prosecutor arranged for the
questioning of a number of students following their complaints of torture; a full, impartial and independent investigation was not
conducted; the results of the investigation were not made available to the students’ lawyers and no perpetrators were held to
account.
Click here to read more »
Morocco: Free Retired Colonel Held Unjustly
72-Year-Old Serving 12 Years on National Secrecy Charge for Revealing ‘Secret’ that Wasn’t One
February 27, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Morocco should immediately release an elderly retired major-colonel serving a 12-year prison term on dubious
charges of divulging a "national defense secret," Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to King Mohammed VI.
A military court punished Kaddour Terhzaz, 72, for sharing "secret" information with a former air force pilot in 2005. But the ex-
pilot had already conveyed the same information in an interview published in the Moroccan press the previous year, Human Rights
Watch said. The information concerned the equipment on board Moroccan air force jets more than a quarter-century earlier.
"When a military court convicts a retired officer in 2008 for sharing information three years earlier that concerns aircraft used in
the 1970s, information that was already public anyway, you may well suspect that he's being punished for something else," said
Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.
In 2005, Terhzaz wrote a letter to the king deploring what he considered Morocco's shabby treatment of former air force pilots.
The Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara, had shot down these pilots and taken them prisoner during the
war over Western Sahara in the 1970's.
Freed after a quarter century in captivity in Algeria and back home in Morocco, some of the former pilots tried to organize an
association to lobby for better treatment. In support of their cause, Terhzaz, who used to command the pilots, mentioned in his
letter to the king that these pilots had gone into battle even though their jets lacked anti-missile defenses. He then gave a copy of his
letter to one of the former pilots.
On November 8, 2008, authorities arrested Terhzaz and charged him with sharing a "national defense secret" - the absence of anti-
missile systems on the fighter planes of the 1970s - with someone "not qualified" to know it - namely, the former pilot to whom he
had given the letter. In a brief and closed trial 19 days later, at which no witnesses were called to testify, a military court in Rabat
sentenced Terhzaz to 12 years in prison. The Supreme Court confirmed the verdict in May 2009.
Terhzaz has been in Salé prison for 15 months under harsh conditions, confined since November 30, 2009 to a one-person cell and
deprived of nearly all contact with other prisoners. Authorities have also restricted his access to lawyers.
Human Rights Watch's letter to the king cited an article published in a Moroccan daily in 2004 that provided the same piece of
information that cost Terhzaz a 12-year prison term when he mentioned it in a private communication one year later.
Click here to read more »
72-Year-Old Serving 12 Years on National Secrecy Charge for Revealing ‘Secret’ that Wasn’t One
February 27, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Morocco should immediately release an elderly retired major-colonel serving a 12-year prison term on dubious
charges of divulging a "national defense secret," Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to King Mohammed VI.
A military court punished Kaddour Terhzaz, 72, for sharing "secret" information with a former air force pilot in 2005. But the ex-
pilot had already conveyed the same information in an interview published in the Moroccan press the previous year, Human Rights
Watch said. The information concerned the equipment on board Moroccan air force jets more than a quarter-century earlier.
"When a military court convicts a retired officer in 2008 for sharing information three years earlier that concerns aircraft used in
the 1970s, information that was already public anyway, you may well suspect that he's being punished for something else," said
Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.
In 2005, Terhzaz wrote a letter to the king deploring what he considered Morocco's shabby treatment of former air force pilots.
The Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara, had shot down these pilots and taken them prisoner during the
war over Western Sahara in the 1970's.
Freed after a quarter century in captivity in Algeria and back home in Morocco, some of the former pilots tried to organize an
association to lobby for better treatment. In support of their cause, Terhzaz, who used to command the pilots, mentioned in his
letter to the king that these pilots had gone into battle even though their jets lacked anti-missile defenses. He then gave a copy of his
letter to one of the former pilots.
On November 8, 2008, authorities arrested Terhzaz and charged him with sharing a "national defense secret" - the absence of anti-
missile systems on the fighter planes of the 1970s - with someone "not qualified" to know it - namely, the former pilot to whom he
had given the letter. In a brief and closed trial 19 days later, at which no witnesses were called to testify, a military court in Rabat
sentenced Terhzaz to 12 years in prison. The Supreme Court confirmed the verdict in May 2009.
Terhzaz has been in Salé prison for 15 months under harsh conditions, confined since November 30, 2009 to a one-person cell and
deprived of nearly all contact with other prisoners. Authorities have also restricted his access to lawyers.
Human Rights Watch's letter to the king cited an article published in a Moroccan daily in 2004 that provided the same piece of
information that cost Terhzaz a 12-year prison term when he mentioned it in a private communication one year later.
Click here to read more »
2 December 2009
STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR OMAR ZNIBER, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO,
AT THE SEVENTEENTH MEETING OF THE OSCE MINISTERIAL COUNCIL
Mr. Chairman,
The Moroccan document emphasizes in particular the need to define specific fields of co-operation and proposes in that connection
the human, economic and security dimensions of migration, tolerance and non-discrimination through the creation of a centre for the
collection of data on the manifestation of all forms of intolerance, particularly against Muslims, co-operation in combating terrorism
through the exchange of best practices, and water and energy management.
In order the improve the OSCE Mediterranean partnership, the “Morocco vision paper” also puts forward another series of proposals,
including ones concerning the establishment of a network of research and analysis institutes concerned with security in the
Mediterranean space, the translation of the principal OSCE reference documents into Arabic and the strengthening of synergy with the
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
Furthermore, the Moroccan delegation stresses that the projects should have long-term goals rather than being isolated actions. In this
regard, it is imperative to begin an open discussion with the OSCE participating States on their view of co-operation with the
Mediterranean partners and the place of the partnership in the dialogue on the new security architecture in Europe. When interests
converge there should be joint strategies, and when the interests are different we need to find solutions that the OSCE Mediterranean
partnership can benefit from.
The progress achieved by Morocco under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in terms of modernizing and opening up
the economy, political reforms, human rights and good governance will indubitably boost Morocco’s many and varied partnerships
with organizations like the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in a regional context that has seen important events
associated with the Mediterranean region such as the revival of the Mediterranean process (in the form of the Union for the
Mediterranean) and the granting of advanced status to Morocco by the European Union.
The democratic process taking place in Morocco has been strengthened by a series of reforms launched in consultation with all the
sections of civil society. Legal reforms are under way with a view to guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary. As part of the
gender equality policy and the family code, the adoption of a strategic action plan for the institutionalization of equality between the
sexes and the adoption of a new electoral code are increasing the participation of women in political life, as illustrated by the fact that
3,406 women were elected during the local elections held on 12 June 2009 compared to 127 women in 2003.
Click here to read more »
STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR OMAR ZNIBER, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO,
AT THE SEVENTEENTH MEETING OF THE OSCE MINISTERIAL COUNCIL
Mr. Chairman,
The Moroccan document emphasizes in particular the need to define specific fields of co-operation and proposes in that connection
the human, economic and security dimensions of migration, tolerance and non-discrimination through the creation of a centre for the
collection of data on the manifestation of all forms of intolerance, particularly against Muslims, co-operation in combating terrorism
through the exchange of best practices, and water and energy management.
In order the improve the OSCE Mediterranean partnership, the “Morocco vision paper” also puts forward another series of proposals,
including ones concerning the establishment of a network of research and analysis institutes concerned with security in the
Mediterranean space, the translation of the principal OSCE reference documents into Arabic and the strengthening of synergy with the
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
Furthermore, the Moroccan delegation stresses that the projects should have long-term goals rather than being isolated actions. In this
regard, it is imperative to begin an open discussion with the OSCE participating States on their view of co-operation with the
Mediterranean partners and the place of the partnership in the dialogue on the new security architecture in Europe. When interests
converge there should be joint strategies, and when the interests are different we need to find solutions that the OSCE Mediterranean
partnership can benefit from.
The progress achieved by Morocco under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in terms of modernizing and opening up
the economy, political reforms, human rights and good governance will indubitably boost Morocco’s many and varied partnerships
with organizations like the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in a regional context that has seen important events
associated with the Mediterranean region such as the revival of the Mediterranean process (in the form of the Union for the
Mediterranean) and the granting of advanced status to Morocco by the European Union.
The democratic process taking place in Morocco has been strengthened by a series of reforms launched in consultation with all the
sections of civil society. Legal reforms are under way with a view to guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary. As part of the
gender equality policy and the family code, the adoption of a strategic action plan for the institutionalization of equality between the
sexes and the adoption of a new electoral code are increasing the participation of women in political life, as illustrated by the fact that
3,406 women were elected during the local elections held on 12 June 2009 compared to 127 women in 2003.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Release Text and Call
Khadija Ryadi
President of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights
Rabat, Dec. 17, 2009
The President of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights calls on the one hand, Haidar to end his hunger strike and the other
the Moroccan authorities to rectify the mistake by expelling Haidar and allow it to return home.
The newspaper Almassae, Number 1007 Thursday, December 17, 2009, published in its front, an article entitled "a human rights
delegation visits Haidar that it would cease his hunger strike" containing a statement made by Abdeslam Boutayeb, president of the
Center for the Common Memory and Future, as coordinator of the initiative, announcing a number of human rights activists
belonging to large organizations in Morocco with the Moroccan Association for Human Rights The Moroccan Organization for
Human Rights and the Moroccan Forum for Truth and Justice will launch from Madrid on Thursday an initiative to convince
Haidar, who observed a hunger strike (...) to stop his hunger strike to defend themselves the sacred right to life ....
Affirming that I am not aware of this initiative, as President of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, I remind the
Association's position on this matter in a statement issued from its Central Office meeting 30 November 2009 which Annona
following: "The Central Board reached consensus on the arbitrary action taken against the citizen Haidar expelling and thereby
forcing her to flee without any court decision and asked the Moroccan authorities to allow him to return home. "On this occasion, I
call Mrs. Haidar, as President of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights to stop his hunger strike to preserve his right to life
and physical integrity and so it can return, unharmed, her children and regain his city Laayoune. I call, well, the Moroccan
authorities to rectify the mistake by expelling Haidar and allow him to return home as soon as possible before it is too late.
Click here to read more »
Release Text and Call
Khadija Ryadi
President of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights
Rabat, Dec. 17, 2009
The President of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights calls on the one hand, Haidar to end his hunger strike and the other
the Moroccan authorities to rectify the mistake by expelling Haidar and allow it to return home.
The newspaper Almassae, Number 1007 Thursday, December 17, 2009, published in its front, an article entitled "a human rights
delegation visits Haidar that it would cease his hunger strike" containing a statement made by Abdeslam Boutayeb, president of the
Center for the Common Memory and Future, as coordinator of the initiative, announcing a number of human rights activists
belonging to large organizations in Morocco with the Moroccan Association for Human Rights The Moroccan Organization for
Human Rights and the Moroccan Forum for Truth and Justice will launch from Madrid on Thursday an initiative to convince
Haidar, who observed a hunger strike (...) to stop his hunger strike to defend themselves the sacred right to life ....
Affirming that I am not aware of this initiative, as President of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, I remind the
Association's position on this matter in a statement issued from its Central Office meeting 30 November 2009 which Annona
following: "The Central Board reached consensus on the arbitrary action taken against the citizen Haidar expelling and thereby
forcing her to flee without any court decision and asked the Moroccan authorities to allow him to return home. "On this occasion, I
call Mrs. Haidar, as President of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights to stop his hunger strike to preserve his right to life
and physical integrity and so it can return, unharmed, her children and regain his city Laayoune. I call, well, the Moroccan
authorities to rectify the mistake by expelling Haidar and allow him to return home as soon as possible before it is too late.
Click here to read more »
'The promotion of the role of ombudsmen & mediators needed for the enhancement of Human Rights': Mr. Moulay M’
Hamed Iraki
1 December 2009
Tangier: Mr. Moulay M’Hamed Iraki , Wali Al Madhalim and president of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen ( AOM)
has emphasized on the necessity to promote ombudsmen institutions in the region. In doing so, there is a warranty to develop
Human Rights. His speech during the openning of the seminar on the role of associations, regional and international networks of
ombudsmen in the reinforcement and development of mediation institutions “ held on the occasion of the inauguration of the
headquarters of the association reasserts the support of the AOM for the promotion and defense for democracy, the Rule of Law
and Human Rights in the mediterranean space.
The association acts for the warranty of the respect of national and international texts regarding Human Rights, especially those
concerning the universal declaration of Human Rights and the Rabat Declaration- which texts were set up during the workshops of
the 1st encounter between the institution of Diwan Al Madhalim, Mediator and Mediterranean Ombudsmen- event held in november
2007.
Mr.Iraki has expressed his support for the AOM to the resolution project of Morocco nearby the United Nations on the role of
ombudsmen mediator and other national institution of protection of Human Rights and those that promote and protect these rights.
Besides that, he pointed out the great symbolic of the choice on the city of Tangier to accommodate the headquarters of the AOM.
This strait city has indeed constituted an intersection for civilizations and a leading path to the dialogue’s cultures encounter.
On his part, Mr. Delevoye, Mediator of the French Republic and secretary-general of the AOM emphasized on the fact that the
headquarters of the association confirm the dynamics ruled by Diwan Al Madhalim presidency. Following this objective, the 3rd
encounter of mediterranean ombudsmen institutions planned for next December in Athens would examine the role of these
institutions in the warranty and transparency of the public service.
The AOM believes strongly in the power of mediation, dialogue and respect of Human dignity as means, not only for promoting
Human Rights but also in terms of contribution in conflict resolution along the region.
The participants to this encounter who are composed of representatives from ombudsmen associations and international
organizations (working in the field of Human Rights) have examined many questions regarding mediation; also participants in that
event were national and international institutions, associations and ombudsmen networks which major field of work is the
promotion and development of Ombudsmen and Mediators institutions.
Click here to read more »
Hamed Iraki
1 December 2009
Tangier: Mr. Moulay M’Hamed Iraki , Wali Al Madhalim and president of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen ( AOM)
has emphasized on the necessity to promote ombudsmen institutions in the region. In doing so, there is a warranty to develop
Human Rights. His speech during the openning of the seminar on the role of associations, regional and international networks of
ombudsmen in the reinforcement and development of mediation institutions “ held on the occasion of the inauguration of the
headquarters of the association reasserts the support of the AOM for the promotion and defense for democracy, the Rule of Law
and Human Rights in the mediterranean space.
The association acts for the warranty of the respect of national and international texts regarding Human Rights, especially those
concerning the universal declaration of Human Rights and the Rabat Declaration- which texts were set up during the workshops of
the 1st encounter between the institution of Diwan Al Madhalim, Mediator and Mediterranean Ombudsmen- event held in november
2007.
Mr.Iraki has expressed his support for the AOM to the resolution project of Morocco nearby the United Nations on the role of
ombudsmen mediator and other national institution of protection of Human Rights and those that promote and protect these rights.
Besides that, he pointed out the great symbolic of the choice on the city of Tangier to accommodate the headquarters of the AOM.
This strait city has indeed constituted an intersection for civilizations and a leading path to the dialogue’s cultures encounter.
On his part, Mr. Delevoye, Mediator of the French Republic and secretary-general of the AOM emphasized on the fact that the
headquarters of the association confirm the dynamics ruled by Diwan Al Madhalim presidency. Following this objective, the 3rd
encounter of mediterranean ombudsmen institutions planned for next December in Athens would examine the role of these
institutions in the warranty and transparency of the public service.
The AOM believes strongly in the power of mediation, dialogue and respect of Human dignity as means, not only for promoting
Human Rights but also in terms of contribution in conflict resolution along the region.
The participants to this encounter who are composed of representatives from ombudsmen associations and international
organizations (working in the field of Human Rights) have examined many questions regarding mediation; also participants in that
event were national and international institutions, associations and ombudsmen networks which major field of work is the
promotion and development of Ombudsmen and Mediators institutions.
Click here to read more »
The Capsian culture brought Morocco into the Neolithic about 8000 BC, in a time when the Maghreb was less arid
than it is today. The Berber language probably arrived at roughly the same time as agriculture, and was adopted by
the existing population as well as the immigrants that brought it. Modern DNA analysis has confirmed that various
populations have contributed to the present-day gene pool of Morocco, including, in addition to the main ethnic
groups - Berbers and Arabs - Phoenicians, Sephardic Jews, and sub-Saharan Africans. Eight thousand years ago,
south of the great mountain ranges in what is now the Sahara Desert, a vast savanna supported Neolithic hunters and
herders whose culture flourished until the region began to desiccate as a result of climatic changes after 4000 B.C.
The Berbers entered Moroccan history toward the end of the second millennium B.C., when they made initial
contact with oasis dwellers on the steppe who may have been the remnants of the earlier savanna people. Phoenician
traders, who had penetrated the western Mediterranean before the twelfth century B.C., set up depots for salt and
ore along the coast and up the rivers of the territory that is now Morocco. By the fifth century B.C., Carthage had
extended its hegemony across much of North Africa. By the second century B.C., several large, although loosely
administered, Berber kingdoms had emerged. The Berber kings ruled in the shadow of Carthage and Rome, often as
satellites. After the fall of Carthage, the area was annexed to the Roman Empire in A.D. 40. This strategic region
formed part of the Roman Empire, governed as Mauretania Tingitana. In the 5th century the region fell to the
Vandals, Visigoths, and then Byzantine Greeks in rapid succession. During this time, however, the high mountains of
most of modern Morocco remained unsubdued, and stayed in the hands of their Berber inhabitants. Arabs
conquered the region in the seventh century, bringing their civilization and Islam, to which most of the Berbers
converted. While part of the larger Islamic Empire, client states were formed such as the Kingdom of Nekor. Arab
conquerors converted the indigenous Berber population to Islam, but Berber tribes retained their customary laws.
The Arabs abhorred the Berbers as barbarians, while the Berbers often saw the Arabs as only an arrogant and brutal
soldiery bent on collecting taxes. The eleventh and twelfth centuries witnessed the founding of several great Berber
dynasties led by religious reformers and each based on a tribal confederation that dominated the Maghrib and Al-
Andalus for more than 200 years. In 1559 the region fell to successive Arab tribes claiming descent from the Prophet
Muhammad: first the Saadi Dynasty who ruled from 1511 to 1659 and then the Alawis, who founded a dynasty that
has remained in power since the seventeenth century. Moulay Ali Cherif consolidated power as the Sultan of Tafilalt
and is considered to have been the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty. After the Saadite dynasty fell in 1659 the
Alaouites began to take control of Morocco. Moulay Ali Cherif's son Al-Rashid of Morocco was proclaimed Sultan
of Morocco ain Fez, October 22, 1664. Al-Rashid went on and secured Marrakesh September 7, 1668. In 1684,
they annexed Tangier; In 1769, they conquered El Jadida, taking it from Portugal; In 1895 they bought Cape Juby
from the British Empire. Morocco was the first nation to recognize the fledgling United States as an independent
nation in 1777. The Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship stands as the U.S.'s oldest non-broken friendship
treaty. Signed by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, it has been in continuous effect since 1783. The United States
legation (consulate) in Tangier is the first property the American government ever owned abroad. The building now
houses the Tangier American Legation Museum. Despite the weakness of its authority, the Alaouite dynasty
distinguished itself in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by maintaining Morocco’s independence while other
states in the region succumbed to Turkish, French, or British domination. However, in the latter part of the nineteenth
century Morocco’s weakness and instability invited European intervention to protect threatened investments and to
demand economic concessions. The first years of the twentieth century witnessed a rush of diplomatic maneuvering
through which the European powers and France in particular furthered their interests in North Africa. Disputes over
Moroccan sovereignty were links in the chain of events that led to World War. Recognition by the United Kingdom
in 1904 of France's "sphere of influence" in Morocco provoked a German reaction; the "crisis" of 1905-6 was
resolved at the Algeciras Conference (1906), which formalized France's "special position" and entrusted policing of
Morocco jointly to France and Spain. A second "Moroccan crisis" provoked by Berlin, increased European Great
Power tensions, but the Treaty of Fez (signed on March 30, 1912) made Morocco a protectorate of France. By the
same treaty, Spain assumed the role of protecting power over the northern and southern (Ifnin) zones on November
27 that year. Spain was given control of pieces of Morocco in the far north and south and of the Spanish Sahara
(now Western Sahara). Tangier received special international status. From a strictly legal point of view, the treaty did
not deprive Morocco of its status as a sovereign state. Theoretically, the sultan remained the sole source of
sovereignty. He reigned, but he did not rule. Many Moroccan Goumiere assisted the Americans in both World War I
and World War II. During World War II, the badly divided nationalist movement became more cohesive, and
informed Moroccans dared to consider the real possibility of political change in the postwar era. However, the
nationalists were disappointed in their belief that the Allied victory in Morocco would pave the way for
independence. In December 1952, a riot broke out in Casablanca over the murder of a Tunisian labor leader; this
event marked a watershed in relations between Moroccan political parties and French authorities. In late 1955,
Mohammed V successfully negotiated the gradual restoration of Moroccan independence within a framework of
French-Moroccan interdependence. Hassan II became King of Morocco on March 3, 1961.After neighbouring
Algeria's 1962 independence from France, border skirmishes in the Tindouf area of south-western Algeria, escalated
in 1963 into what is known as the Sand War. The king had dispatched Moroccan troops to the Sinai front after the
outbreak of Arab-Israeli War in October 1973. Although they arrived too late to engage in hostilities, the action won
Morocco goodwill among other Arab states. Shortly thereafter, the attention of the government turned to the
acquisition of Western Sahara from Spain, an issue on which all major domestic parties agreed. Gradual political
reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature in 1997, and with the death of King
Hassan II of Morocco in 1999, the more liberal-minded Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed, who assumed the title of
Mohammed VI, took the throne. He has since enacted successive reforms to modernize Morocco, and the country
has seen a marked improvement in its human rights record, strong ties to the west and advances in women's rights.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Morocco
than it is today. The Berber language probably arrived at roughly the same time as agriculture, and was adopted by
the existing population as well as the immigrants that brought it. Modern DNA analysis has confirmed that various
populations have contributed to the present-day gene pool of Morocco, including, in addition to the main ethnic
groups - Berbers and Arabs - Phoenicians, Sephardic Jews, and sub-Saharan Africans. Eight thousand years ago,
south of the great mountain ranges in what is now the Sahara Desert, a vast savanna supported Neolithic hunters and
herders whose culture flourished until the region began to desiccate as a result of climatic changes after 4000 B.C.
The Berbers entered Moroccan history toward the end of the second millennium B.C., when they made initial
contact with oasis dwellers on the steppe who may have been the remnants of the earlier savanna people. Phoenician
traders, who had penetrated the western Mediterranean before the twelfth century B.C., set up depots for salt and
ore along the coast and up the rivers of the territory that is now Morocco. By the fifth century B.C., Carthage had
extended its hegemony across much of North Africa. By the second century B.C., several large, although loosely
administered, Berber kingdoms had emerged. The Berber kings ruled in the shadow of Carthage and Rome, often as
satellites. After the fall of Carthage, the area was annexed to the Roman Empire in A.D. 40. This strategic region
formed part of the Roman Empire, governed as Mauretania Tingitana. In the 5th century the region fell to the
Vandals, Visigoths, and then Byzantine Greeks in rapid succession. During this time, however, the high mountains of
most of modern Morocco remained unsubdued, and stayed in the hands of their Berber inhabitants. Arabs
conquered the region in the seventh century, bringing their civilization and Islam, to which most of the Berbers
converted. While part of the larger Islamic Empire, client states were formed such as the Kingdom of Nekor. Arab
conquerors converted the indigenous Berber population to Islam, but Berber tribes retained their customary laws.
The Arabs abhorred the Berbers as barbarians, while the Berbers often saw the Arabs as only an arrogant and brutal
soldiery bent on collecting taxes. The eleventh and twelfth centuries witnessed the founding of several great Berber
dynasties led by religious reformers and each based on a tribal confederation that dominated the Maghrib and Al-
Andalus for more than 200 years. In 1559 the region fell to successive Arab tribes claiming descent from the Prophet
Muhammad: first the Saadi Dynasty who ruled from 1511 to 1659 and then the Alawis, who founded a dynasty that
has remained in power since the seventeenth century. Moulay Ali Cherif consolidated power as the Sultan of Tafilalt
and is considered to have been the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty. After the Saadite dynasty fell in 1659 the
Alaouites began to take control of Morocco. Moulay Ali Cherif's son Al-Rashid of Morocco was proclaimed Sultan
of Morocco ain Fez, October 22, 1664. Al-Rashid went on and secured Marrakesh September 7, 1668. In 1684,
they annexed Tangier; In 1769, they conquered El Jadida, taking it from Portugal; In 1895 they bought Cape Juby
from the British Empire. Morocco was the first nation to recognize the fledgling United States as an independent
nation in 1777. The Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship stands as the U.S.'s oldest non-broken friendship
treaty. Signed by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, it has been in continuous effect since 1783. The United States
legation (consulate) in Tangier is the first property the American government ever owned abroad. The building now
houses the Tangier American Legation Museum. Despite the weakness of its authority, the Alaouite dynasty
distinguished itself in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by maintaining Morocco’s independence while other
states in the region succumbed to Turkish, French, or British domination. However, in the latter part of the nineteenth
century Morocco’s weakness and instability invited European intervention to protect threatened investments and to
demand economic concessions. The first years of the twentieth century witnessed a rush of diplomatic maneuvering
through which the European powers and France in particular furthered their interests in North Africa. Disputes over
Moroccan sovereignty were links in the chain of events that led to World War. Recognition by the United Kingdom
in 1904 of France's "sphere of influence" in Morocco provoked a German reaction; the "crisis" of 1905-6 was
resolved at the Algeciras Conference (1906), which formalized France's "special position" and entrusted policing of
Morocco jointly to France and Spain. A second "Moroccan crisis" provoked by Berlin, increased European Great
Power tensions, but the Treaty of Fez (signed on March 30, 1912) made Morocco a protectorate of France. By the
same treaty, Spain assumed the role of protecting power over the northern and southern (Ifnin) zones on November
27 that year. Spain was given control of pieces of Morocco in the far north and south and of the Spanish Sahara
(now Western Sahara). Tangier received special international status. From a strictly legal point of view, the treaty did
not deprive Morocco of its status as a sovereign state. Theoretically, the sultan remained the sole source of
sovereignty. He reigned, but he did not rule. Many Moroccan Goumiere assisted the Americans in both World War I
and World War II. During World War II, the badly divided nationalist movement became more cohesive, and
informed Moroccans dared to consider the real possibility of political change in the postwar era. However, the
nationalists were disappointed in their belief that the Allied victory in Morocco would pave the way for
independence. In December 1952, a riot broke out in Casablanca over the murder of a Tunisian labor leader; this
event marked a watershed in relations between Moroccan political parties and French authorities. In late 1955,
Mohammed V successfully negotiated the gradual restoration of Moroccan independence within a framework of
French-Moroccan interdependence. Hassan II became King of Morocco on March 3, 1961.After neighbouring
Algeria's 1962 independence from France, border skirmishes in the Tindouf area of south-western Algeria, escalated
in 1963 into what is known as the Sand War. The king had dispatched Moroccan troops to the Sinai front after the
outbreak of Arab-Israeli War in October 1973. Although they arrived too late to engage in hostilities, the action won
Morocco goodwill among other Arab states. Shortly thereafter, the attention of the government turned to the
acquisition of Western Sahara from Spain, an issue on which all major domestic parties agreed. Gradual political
reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature in 1997, and with the death of King
Hassan II of Morocco in 1999, the more liberal-minded Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed, who assumed the title of
Mohammed VI, took the throne. He has since enacted successive reforms to modernize Morocco, and the country
has seen a marked improvement in its human rights record, strong ties to the west and advances in women's rights.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Morocco
Click on map for larger view
Click on flag for Country Report
Crown Prince Moulay Al- Hassan
Heir Apparent since 8 May 2003
Heir Apparent since 8 May 2003
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
