On March 3, 2017, the U.S. Department of State released the 2016 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which include Morocco and the Western Sahara. The United States would like to recognize the positive steps that Morocco took in 2016 to strengthen its respect for human rights. The U.S. Embassy appreciates the Government of Morocco’s invaluable engagement in the preparation of this year’s reports, with constructive and open dialogue involving the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Inter-ministerial Delegation on Human Rights, as well as by other partners such as the National Council on Human Rights and the NGO community.
The report notes several positive developments this year, including improvements in some prison conditions, a reduction in allegations of torture, and the passage of a new press code. The United States also recognizes the steps the Government of Morocco made this year to update the penal code and procedures to align with international law and norms, conduct several trainings on human rights for security forces, institute the Supreme Judiciary Council to give the judiciary greater independence, and regularize the status of migrants in the country. The United States will continue to follow developments throughout 2017.
The annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – the Human Rights Reports – cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. The U.S. Department of State submits reports on all United Nations member states to the U.S. Congress in accordance with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Trade Act of 1974. The publication of this annual report reflects U.S. interest in, and support for, the advancement of human rights around the world.
For more information or to view the full text of the report, please visit http://www.humanrights.gov
