Rabat: The International Parliamentary Forum on Social Justice serves as a platform for collective reflection and constructive public debate on reform projects, stated Mohamed Ould Errachid, Speaker of Morocco’s House of Councillors, during the opening session of the forum’s 9th edition. The event, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, focused on the theme ‘Generalizing social protection in Morocco: a development vision with international standards’.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Ould Errachid emphasized the forum’s role in addressing the challenges associated with implementing social protection reforms. He highlighted the necessity of aligning national legislation with international standards, strengthening the legal framework, and ensuring the sustainability of the system amidst economic, social, and demographic changes. The objective is to meet the growing needs and aspirations of citizens while navigating financial and institutional constraints.

Ould Errachid expressed optimism that the forum, organized in collaboration with the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), would yield practical recommendations to enhance and expand Morocco’s social protection system. This would facilitate the implementation of values such as equity and equal opportunity, while advancing social and spatial justice.

He further noted that the forum’s organization under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI underscores the significance the Sovereign places on social and spatial justice. These concepts are seen as crucial to reform and development projects, essential for securing a decent life, promoting social stability, and fostering national solidarity.

Ould Errachid remarked that since King Mohammed VI’s accession to the Throne, Morocco has been strengthening its national social protection system. This journey began with the National Initiative for Human Development and the reform of health coverage systems, culminating in the Sovereign’s 2020 Throne Speech, which advocated for the universalization of social protection as part of a broader Royal Vision to solidify the foundations of a social state.

Historically, Morocco has worked to establish a comprehensive national social protection system, which includes social security, insurance schemes, and workers’ compensation systems, among other related programs.