A/HRC/20/26/Add.2 I. Introduction 1. The Independent Expert in the field of cultural rights, Farida Shaheed, visited Morocco from 5 to 16 September 2011 at the invitation of the Government. The Independent Expert travelled to Rabat, Fès, Meknes, Khemisset, Casablanca, Agadir and Marrakech, where she met with different stakeholders and visited cultural projects and initiatives of various partnerships. The mission was organized in close cooperation with the inter-ministerial delegation on human rights and facilitated by the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rabat. 2. During her mission, the Independent Expert met senior governmental officials working at the central and local levels on issues relating to human rights, culture, education, media, justice, gender, minorities, social and economic development, religious matters, interior and foreign affairs and national initiatives for human and social development. She also interacted with academics, grass-roots leaders from different communities, representatives of civil society organizations and of the Amazigh and Jewish communities. 3. The Independent Expert expresses her appreciation to the Government for providing her with this valuable opportunity to examine the realization of cultural rights in Morocco. She extends her gratitude to all stakeholders and interlocutors for their time, cooperation, information provided and insights into the promotion and protection of cultural rights during this mission. 4. In the present report, the Independent Expert reviews legislative and policy frameworks, as well as initiatives and practices relating to cultural rights, and makes recommendations aimed at strengthening the promotion, protection and fulfilment of cultural rights by the Government of Morocco. II. General context 5. Morocco is a multi-ethnic and multicultural society. Moroccans are predominantly Sunni Muslims of Arab, Amazigh, or mixed Arab-Amazigh ancestry. In addition, a small Jewish community of around 4,000 people, as well as people of African descent, live in Morocco.1 6. Morocco has two official languages. The Independent Expert appreciates the fact that, together with Arabic, the Amazigh language, which has three dialects (Tarifit, Tashelhit and Tamazight), has recently been granted the status of official language in the Constitution. French is widely taught and serves as the primary language of commerce and Government affairs. 7. One major challenge identified in effectively promoting cultural diversity and equal rights for all is the lack of reliable data on the composition of the country’s population. Regrettably, the 2004 census did not provide detailed information on the ethnic composition of the population or on the use of languages by it. In preparation for the next census, to be conducted in 2014, it will be crucial to ensure that information is gathered on the use of Arabic, Amazigh and other languages, and other indicators of ethnic and cultural diversity in the country. The Independent Expert recalls the recommendation made by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in this regard.2 1 2 See also www.minorityrights.org/4890/morocco/morocco-overview.html. CERD/C/MAR/CO/17-18, para. 7. 3