The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights paid tribute Tuesday in Geneva to Moroccan diplomat Halima Ouarzazi, a pioneer of African female diplomacy, who passed away on May 14 after a distinguished career in international service. «Women, in all their diversity, have been working in diplomacy for generations. Halima Ouarzazi from Morocco and Belela Herrera from Uruguay, both recently deceased, are two cherished examples among many», said Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner, at the opening of an event marking the International Day of Women in Diplomacy during the 59th Human Rights Council (HRC) session. Ouarzazi represented Morocco with distinction, serving as Chair of the UN Third Committee, an expert with the UN Committee against Apartheid and Racial Discrimination, and a member of both the Council and Executive Committee of the International Institute of Human Rights. She also sat on the UN Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and the Protection of Minorities. Her legacy was also honored through a photography exhibition titled Women Leaders in Multilateralism and Diplomacy, held at the Palais des Nations from June 24 to July 4. This year marks the first observance of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, focused on removing barriers to women's leadership in peace and diplomacy. The event follows HRC Resolution 58/15, led by Morocco during the Council's 58th session. Backed by a cross-regional group including Chile, the Maldives, Mexico, Slovenia, Spain, and Mauritius, the resolution reflects a core priority of Moroccan foreign policy: advancing gender equality and promoting women's leadership in diplomacy and multilateral spaces. The group also called for stronger recognition of women's contributions in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and decision-making, including within the Human Rights Council itself.
