In Geneva, during a side event at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, Morocco's ambassador to the Holy See, Rajae Naji Mekkaoui, showcased the «Moroccan model» of religious coexistence as a unique example of diversity and unity recognized internationally. DR ‹ › In Geneva, Morocco's ambassador to the Holy See, Rajae Naji Mekkaoui, highlighted what she described as the «Moroccan model» of religious coexistence, rooted in thirteen centuries of history, the Commandery of the Faithful, and a long-standing tradition of openness between cultures and religions. Speaking at a side event dedicated to interfaith dialogue and combating hate speech, the diplomat emphasized that the Kingdom has developed «a unique model, recognized internationally», in which religious diversity serves as a unifying factor rather than a source of division. According to Rajae Naji Mekkaoui, this model is based primarily on a clear institutional foundation. The 2011 Constitution enshrines Islam as the official religion while guaranteeing freedom of belief and worship. It also entrusts the sovereign, as Commander of the Faithful, with the responsibility of protecting the faithful and ensuring respect for religious diversity. The diplomat also highlighted the doctrinal foundations of Moroccan Islam, which rest on three main references: Ash'arism for faith, Malikism for law, and Sufism for ethics. These traditions, she explained, promote a balance between reason and revelation and encourage an open and moderate approach to religious practice. In this context, Morocco does not define itself as a society composed of religious minorities, but rather as «a plural nation», enriched by the diversity of its cultural and spiritual components. Morocco's tradition of religious coexistence To illustrate this tradition, the ambassador referred to the history of Jewish communities in Morocco, noting that the Kingdom has long served as a refuge for persecuted populations. Moroccan Jews have historically been fully integrated into society while preserving their religious and legal institutions. Morocco remains one of the few countries where rabbinical courts continue to rule on matters of personal status and inheritance within the Jewish community. The diplomat also recalled a significant episode from World War II. In 1942, under pressure from Nazi authorities and the Vichy regime, King Mohammed V refused to enforce anti-Semitic laws or hand over Moroccan Jews. «There are no Jews in Morocco, only Moroccan subjects», the sovereign reportedly declared, affirming that «a father never abandons his family». Institutions promoting religious moderation Rajae Naji Mekkaoui also emphasized the role of Moroccan religious institutions in promoting moderate Islam and preventing extremism. Among these institutions are the Supreme Council of Ulemas, the Rabita Mohammadia of Ulemas, and the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulemas, which trains imams and preachers from several African countries. These structures help promote values such as tolerance, respect for diversity, and peaceful coexistence. The ambassador also mentioned Al-Quaraouiyine University in Fez, founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihriya and often considered the oldest university in the world. For centuries, the institution has welcomed students from different faiths and backgrounds, becoming a space for intellectual exchange and religious dialogue. Advocacy on the international stage On the international stage, Morocco has for several years been advocating for stronger interfaith dialogue and efforts to combat hate speech. The Kingdom notably contributed to the adoption of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, observed annually on June 18. Rajae Naji Mekkaoui acknowledged, however, that the rise of hate speech, amplified by social media and digital technologies, represents a growing challenge. In response, Morocco calls for stronger international cooperation, particularly to improve regulation of the digital space, prevent online radicalization, and strike a balance between protecting freedom of expression and combating incitement to hatred.
