A/HRC/41/54/Add.1 discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, 23 no such plan currently exists. The adoption of such a plan is urgent, as it will provide much-needed guidance to government actors at all levels on the implementation of racial equality commitments. 21. Morocco has adopted various policy documents relating to human rights, equality and non-discrimination. Most notably, in 2017 the Government elaborated its National Action Plan on Democracy and Human Rights (2018–2021), in consultation with civil society stakeholders. 24 Although the action plan seeks to promote the principles of tolerance, equality and non-discrimination in specific areas, 25 the Special Rapporteur regrets that it does not make explicit references to the elimination of racial discrimination and the promotion of racial equality. Similarly, the Government Plan for Equality (2017– 2021) focuses on the advancement of gender equality, but does not specifically address intersectional forms of discrimination, including on the basis of race. 26 22. With regard to non-citizens, the National Immigration and Asylum Strategy contains some provisions related to the promotion of tolerance and the fight against racial discrimination. For example, it contains specific programme points and action points aimed at promoting non-discriminatory access to education and health-care services.27 23. These policy developments are important but do not meet the need for Morocco to adopt a plan of action to combat racial discrimination and intolerance. 4. Institutional framework relating to racial equality and racial discrimination 24. Particularly since the adoption of the 2011 Constitution, Morocco has strengthened its institutional human rights framework by creating and reforming a number of bodies responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights. While there is no body or mechanism specifically dedicated to combating racial discrimination, the Special Rapporteur was encouraged to learn that the mandate and work of various entities was relevant for the promotion of racial equality, non-discrimination and tolerance in Morocco. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the fact that the Authority for Parity and the Fight against all Forms of Discrimination is currently being established. However, she notes that the institution is mandated to focus exclusively on gender-based discrimination and does not have a specific mandate to address racial discrimination. 25. Impressively, Morocco has a dedicated Minister of State for Human Rights as well as an Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights. Among its other tasks, the Delegation is responsible for coordinating the elaboration and implementation of a coherent government policy on human rights, promoting the integration of human rights in public policies, ensuring the implementation of the obligations of Morocco under international human rights law, and fostering cooperation with relevant actors at the national, regional and international levels. 26. In 2013, the Government of Morocco created a ministry devoted to equality (the Ministry of Family, Solidarity, Equality and Social Development), which has the task, among others, of mainstreaming equality considerations across all other government ministries and the public sector. This ministry is a valuable development worthy of emulation by other governments. Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur notes that the ministry’s equality work is focused on women, persons with disabilities, children and elderly persons. Given its expertise in promoting equality for these particular categories, the ministry is well positioned to push forward a racial equality agenda for Morocco, provided that concrete legislative and policy measures are taken for the inclusion of racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in its work and mandate. 23 24 25 26 27 8 See www.un.org/en/durbanreview2009/pdf/DDPA_full_text.pdf, para. 66. See http://didh.gov.ma/fr/publications/plan-daction-national-en-matiere-de-democratie-et-des-droitsde-lhomme-2018-2021. Ibid. See, for example, measures 9, 19, 95, 106, 134 and 153. Initiative concertée pour le renforcement des acquis des Marocaines, No. 2, available at www.social.gov.ma/sites/default/files/icram%202%20fr.pdf. Available at http://marocainsdumonde.gov.ma/realisations-programmatiques. See, for example, the programme on education and culture and the programme on health.

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