A/HRC/41/54/Add.1
17.
The prohibition of racial discrimination is additionally enshrined in a number of
domestic laws, including in the Criminal Procedure Code,13 the Labour Code, 14 Law No.
23-98 on the organization and functioning of prisons, of 25 August 1999,15 the Association
Act,16 the Political Parties Act17 and the Press and Publishing Code.18 Moreover, the Special
Rapporteur learned that the pending asylum bill contains a non-discrimination provision
that prohibits discrimination on various grounds, including on the basis of colour and race. 19
Similarly, the pending draft law on migration includes a provision prohibiting
discrimination against foreigners.20
18.
The Special Rapporteur commends the integration of equality and nondiscrimination provisions in the above-mentioned laws. Nevertheless, she expresses
concern that significant shortcomings remain in the legal framework of Morocco as it
relates to racial discrimination and racial equality. Contrary to recommendations made by a
variety of international and national stakeholders, 21 Morocco has no comprehensive antidiscrimination legislation or specific law prohibiting racial discrimination. According to
information received, a proposal for a new law on racial discrimination and xenophobia
was transmitted to the Parliamentary Commission on Justice, Legislation and Human
Rights in 2017. During her visit, the Special Rapporteur was informed that such a law
would not be adopted as the existing framework was deemed to be adequate. The Special
Rapporteur received assurances that some of the proposed provisions may be integrated
into other pieces of legislation and that they would be considered in the context of the
ongoing review of the Criminal Code.
19.
The Special Rapporteur considers that the adoption of a new law, or amendments to
existing legislation, are urgently needed, as the current legal framework fails to fully
implement the racial equality framework contained in the International Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Most importantly, the definition of
discrimination contained in article 431-1 of the Criminal Code is not in conformity with the
comprehensive definition of racial discrimination in article 1 of the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.22 Contrary to the
requirements of the Convention, Morocco has no law that defines and prohibits racial
discrimination in full accordance with article 1.
3.
Domestic policy framework relating to racial equality and racial discrimination
20.
Although Morocco has committed to the Durban Declaration and Programme of
Action, which calls for a national action plan specifically to combat racism, racial
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
See the third edition (2017). Art. 721 (2) prohibits extraditions where there are substantial grounds for
the competent authorities to believe that an extradition order issued in respect of an ordinary crime is
racially motivated.
See the consolidated version of 26 October 2011: preamble, and arts. 9, 36 and 478.
Art. 51 provides that detainees shall not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, colour, sex,
nationality, language, religion, opinion or social rank.
Art. 3 (as amended) stipulates that “any association which is established to serve an illegal purpose, is
contrary to the law or morals or aims at undermining Islam, the integrity of the national territory, the
monarchy or at inciting discrimination shall be considered unlawful”. Art. 17 (as amended) provides
that political parties and associations of a political nature shall be open to all Moroccan citizens
without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion or regional origin. See Law No. 75-00 of 23
July 2002 (amending dahir No. 1-58-376).
Art. 4 outlaws any political party that is based on a particular religion, language, race or region or, in
general terms, on postulates that are discriminatory or contrary to human rights. See Organic Law No.
29-11 on political parties of 22 October 2011. A similar formulation can be found in art. 7 of the 2011
Constitution.
Law No. 88-13 of 19 August 2016, arts. 31, 37, 64, 71, 72 and 99.
Bill No. 26-14 (confidential) on the right to asylum and the conditions for granting it, art. 3.
Draft law on migration (confidential), art. 3.
See, for example, CERD/C/MAR/CO/17-18, para. 9; E/C.12/MAR/CO/4, para. 14 (a); and
A/HRC/36/6, paras. 144.34, 144.76 and 144.78.
CERD/C/MAR/CO/17-18, paras. 9–10.
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