Morocco Reaffirms Commitment to Universal Periodic Review

Rabat – Morocco has reiterated its strong commitment to reinforcing the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, a key pillar of the United Nations human rights system, according to Omar Zniber, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva.

Speaking in Rabat at the opening of a reflection retreat dedicated to the future of the UPR, held under the theme “Beyond the Fourth Cycle of the UPR: Strengthening the Process for a Transformative Impact on Human Rights,” the diplomat highlighted Morocco’s sustained engagement since the mechanism’s inception.

Zniber recalled that Morocco played an active facilitating role in the establishment of the UPR in 2006 and has since contributed to the development of its operational tools. The country has also provided financial and technical support to ensure the effective implementation of the review process, he said, stressing that this reflects its long-standing belief in the value of cooperative human rights assessment.

The UPR relies on an inclusive and participatory approach, requiring states under review to involve a wide range of national stakeholders in the preparation of their reports. These include government institutions, parliaments, mediating bodies, anti-corruption agencies, and other relevant partners, he noted.

The Moroccan diplomat further emphasized the importance of establishing robust national mechanisms responsible for drafting reports and monitoring the implementation of recommendations, describing this as a key proposal put forward by Morocco within the current UPR cycle. He also highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation between such national mechanisms to enhance efficiency and coordination.

Zniber further called for deeper reflection on the role of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in advancing human rights. While recognizing their potential as tools for progress, he warned of the challenges they pose, including risks to privacy, discrimination, and the spread of xenophobic content.

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For her part, Juliette de Rivero, Head of the UPR Branch at the UN Human Rights Council, praised the mechanism’s effectiveness as a global instrument for assessing human rights situations and fostering dialogue between states. She described the UPR as a unique platform grounded in cooperation, shared responsibility, and practical solutions.

Similarly, Mona M’Bikay, Executive Director of the NGO UPR Info, presented the findings of a survey conducted in collaboration with Morocco’s Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights. The consultation gathered perspectives from various stakeholders involved in the UPR process.

According to the results, participants view the mechanism as a universal tool that helps shape a clear political vision on human rights and drives national-level reforms. However, she stressed the need to translate recommendations into concrete and sustainable actions to ensure lasting impact.

The two-day reflection retreat was organized by Morocco’s Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Office, and UPR Info, aiming to provide a strategic platform for assessment and dialogue ahead of the transition from the fourth to the fifth cycle of the UPR.

Established by UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251 on March 15, 2006, the Universal Periodic Review is a unique peer-review process conducted by UN member states under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, designed to assess the human rights performance of all countries on an equal basis.