A/HRC/41/54/Add.1 landownership structures, combined with contemporary agricultural and land use projects, 33 reportedly remains cause for serious concern in parts of the country. 39. The Special Rapporteur wishes to emphasize that ensuring the equal status of all in the Kingdom requires the necessary measures to be taken to protect the economic, social and cultural rights of all communities. Especially with regard to the socioeconomic marginalization of Amazigh communities, the Special Rapporteur recalls that the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has previously called upon Morocco to remedy regional disparities and combat the de facto discrimination against Amazigh, if necessary by adopting special measures.34 The adoption of temporary special measures is provided for under article 1 (4) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination “to secure to disadvantaged groups the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms”.35 4. Civic space 40. Finally, the Special Rapporteur notes that she has received a number of allegations concerning violations of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, of peaceful assembly and of association, encountered by Amazigh communities and activists. Such restrictions were reported in relation to, inter alia, the registration and functioning of Amazigh associations, political parties and student organizations; authorization for activities and events; the banning of marches; and the use of public halls. Concerns about the securitized approach towards Amazigh activists were also brought to the attention of the Special Rapporteur, particularly with regard to the Hirak movement, student activists, and those defending land rights. C. Migrants and refugees 41. As highlighted in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, racial discrimination and xenophobia against non-nationals are among the main forms of contemporary racism. As such, the experiences of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers were of concern to the Special Rapporteur during her visit. 42. Although Morocco has a long history of migration, today the country faces new and increasing challenges related to its proximity to Europe and its status as a country of origin and transit, as well as of destination. Confronted with these challenges, Morocco has taken a leadership role on migration-related issues at the international and regional levels, including within the framework of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, which was adopted in Marrakech just days before the visit of the Special Rapporteur. 43. Morocco is also taking leadership by adopting an approach that takes seriously the need for research and investment to promote migration that places Africa and the South– South dimensions of international migration at the centre of analysis. In this connection, the Special Rapporteur commends the creation of the African Union migration observatory in Rabat. This body will be tasked, inter alia, with the collection and dissemination of migration-related data, facilitating coordination among African States. The Special Rapporteur was also informed about plans to conduct a large-scale national survey, which will collect detailed disaggregated data that can be used to analyse important trends, causes and effects of international migration in Morocco. She recalls the importance of pursuing such initiatives in a manner that fully complies with equality and non-discrimination 33 34 35 12 The Green Morocco Plan was cited as one example of an agricultural initiative whereby farmland that was traditionally inhabited by Amazigh was made available to Moroccan and foreign investors without adequate consultation with the communities affected. E/C.12/MAR/CO/4, para. 14. See Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, general recommendation No. 32 (2009), para. 11.