At an event focused on the role of national mechanisms within the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda, the Kingdom highlighted the experience of its Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights as a strategic driver for embedding sexual and reproductive rights, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable populations at the core of public policies. During a side event held alongside the 59th session of the Human Rights Council, Morocco's Interministerial Delegate for Human Rights, Mohamed El Habib Belkouch, highlighted Morocco's experience in embedding human rights at the core of public policies, closely aligning with the objectives of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Organized by UNFPA, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Universal Rights Group, and the Permanent Mission of Portugal, this high-level meeting brought together policymakers, experts, and civil society representatives to discuss the strategic role of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRFs). Representing Morocco, Mr. Belkouch underscored the pivotal role of the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights (DIDH), established in 2011. This national mechanism coordinates public policies on human rights and ensures the effective implementation of international commitments through an intersectoral and inclusive approach. Morocco's model is based on a national human rights strategy integrated into the country's major development projects. It actively involves all stakeholders, government institutions, civil society, and UN partners, within a structured framework of planning, consultation, and accountability. A Strong Partnership with UNFPA and Growing Regional Influence Mr. Belkouch also emphasized the longstanding partnership between Morocco and UNFPA, now in its tenth cooperation cycle (2023–2027). This program supports national and international priorities such as sexual and reproductive health, combating gender-based violence, and promoting fundamental rights. At the same time, Morocco is expanding its international role in human rights governance. As host of the founding conference in Marrakech in 2022, Morocco was named coordinator of the new international NMIRFs network, officially launched in Asunción, Paraguay, in May 2024. The network aims to improve the quality of international standards implementation by fostering the exchange of best practices among states and institutions.
