Geneva: Morocco is emerging as one of the first nations to propose an innovative approach that links the fight against corruption with the respect for human rights, as stated by Rachid Medouar, Vice President of the National Authority for Probity, Prevention, and Fight against Corruption (INPPLC), during a Human Rights Council expert seminar in Geneva.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Mr. Medouar emphasized Morocco’s proactive measures in addressing the intertwined challenges of corruption and human rights, especially in light of the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has initiated several actions, notably launching the first program of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy. This strategic program aims to enhance citizen services by simplifying administrative procedures and ensuring citizens’ rights to file complaints and grievances concerning corrupt practices impacting rights such as health, education, and a healthy environment.

Mr. Medouar also highlighted the enactment of Law No. 3
7.10, which safeguards victims, witnesses, experts, and whistleblowers of corruption-related crimes, and Law 31-13, which ensures citizens’ access to information from public services and institutions. These steps underline the INPPLC’s commitment to intertwining anti-corruption measures with human rights protection, as reflected in its annual reports and publications on themes such as “Citizen Engagement.”

The Vice President further elaborated on the dual pillars of citizen engagement in combating corruption. The first pillar focuses on establishing a conducive political and institutional environment that fosters effective public policies positively affecting citizens, including anti-corruption initiatives. The second pillar stresses the importance of citizen awareness regarding corruption’s dangers and their roles in resisting such acts.

The seminar, inaugurated by Morocco’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, aimed to deepen the understanding of the correlation between corr
uption and the fulfillment of economic, social, and cultural rights. Under HRC resolution 53/17, this event provided a platform to exchange best practices, reflect on past experiences, and explore innovative solutions to more effectively link anti-corruption efforts with human rights protection in a post-pandemic context.