MOROCCO SEEKS USG SUPPORT FOR UN HUMAN RIGHTS

UNCLAS RABAT 000530 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/MAG, IO/UNP, DRL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MO PHUM PREL SUBJECT: MOROCCO SEEKS USG SUPPORT FOR UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL CANDIDACY REF: USUN NEW YORK 567 ¶1. On Thursday March 23, 2006, Embassy received Diplomatic Note number 961 from the Moroccan MFA, requesting USG support for its candidature to the newly-created UN Human Rights Council (reftel). A copy of the diplomatic note has been faxed separately to NEA/MAG. ¶2. Begin text of GOM translation of diplomatic note: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to inform the latter that the government of the Kingdom of Morocco has decided to submit the Moroccan candidature to the newly established Human Rights Council. --Elected by the ECOSOC as a member of the Commission of Human Rights for a mandate from January, 1st, 2006 to December 31st, 2008, the Kingdom of Morocco hopes to be able to contribute, together with the other members of the Council, to the respect of universally admitted human rights and fundamental freedoms. --The Kingdom of Morocco has strongly supported the process establishing the Human Rights Council, since the beginning, and considers that such an organ represents a renewed, efficient and adequate framework to consolidate the international accomplishments with regard to human rights and to reinforce international consensus in this field. --The Kingdom of Morocco, which adhered to all pertinent international instruments, firmly believes that a genuine consolidation of the state of law and democracy are the best guarantees for a sustained development of individuals and groups alike. --Besides, in a daring path of political and social reforms, the Kingdom of Morocco achieved, in the framework of the ongoing process, some outstanding accomplishments, that concerned the promotion of women's and children's rights as well as the protection of persons in difficult situation. --Furthermore, the Kingdom of Morocco, whose respect of international commitments is a constitutional principle, undertakes actively to make its national legislation in conformity with international standards, by revising certain legal provisions, removing reserves, submitting regular national reports and consecrating the primacy of international law over national legislations. --The recent publication of the final report of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER) and the directives given by His Majesty the King to the Advisory Council of Human Rights (CCDH) to implement IER's recommendations, testify to Morocco's clear and irreversible willingness to open up a new chapter of its modern history, as illustrated in the revisiting of past human rights violations, the compensation of the victims, and the implementing of legal and practical measures, to prevent similar violations from occurring in the future. --In addition to the accomplishments made in the fields of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights (Family Code, Ombudsman, law against torture, code of political parties, etc...),the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco also launched the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) which represents an integrated plan aimed at reducing social disparities and achieving a sustained and harmonious social and economic development, based on proximity, good governance, objective-oriented projects and a transparent and rational allocation of budget resources. --On the regional and international levels, the Kingdom of Morocco, as a crossroads of multiple civilizations, has always advocated all its efforts to the promotion of peace, understanding, cooperation between the people and inter-religious and intercultural dialogue. --The Government of the Kingdom of Morocco requests the valuable support of the government of the United States of America, for its candidature to the Human Right Council, during the elections that will be held on May 19th, 2006. --The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the esteemed Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration and esteem. End text. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** Riley