Morocco’s election to the Presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) opens up prospects for a new phase focused on the pressing issues of the populations of the South, particularly on the African continent, according to Geneva-based political scientist and human rights activist Biro Diawara.

In a statement to MAP, the Secretary General of the “Interfaith International” Organization voiced hope that Morocco’s new diplomatic positioning, in a context marked by geopolitical tensions, will advance Africa’s role in steering the UN body towards focusing on the pressing needs of the continent’s populations.

“It’s a source of happiness for the continent’s populations, who believe in their common destiny,” the head of programs at the African Meeting for the Defense of Human Rights (RADDHO) stated, describing Morocco’s chairmanship of the UNHRC as the natural culmination of a path that has always been characterized by commitment and sincere work in support of human rights issues.

In this respect,
the Guinea-born Swiss political scientist recalled a series of initiatives carried out by Morocco, or to which it has contributed, to meet the most pressing needs, such as the right to education, health, and the rights of migrants.

He also referred to the numerous initiatives launched by Morocco, both within the framework of the African Group and in coordination with other regional groups, as well as the “valuable and fundamental” contributions to the decision-making and consultation process since the Council was created in 2006.

Over the years, the permanent representatives have come and gone, as have the members of the mission, but Morocco’s commitment to human rights issues worldwide and in the South, particularly in Africa, remains the same, explained Diawara, who added that action for Africa does not contradict respect for the universality of human rights standards.

Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse

Tunisia, as part of its unwavering support for the just Palestinian cause, submitted on December 14, 2023 a request for inclusion on the list of States that will present oral arguments before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), on instructions from the President of the Republic.

The argument will be prepared by a national authority with competence in international law. The hearings will begin on February 19, 2024 at the headquarters of the International Court of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Wednesday.

This request falls within the framework of the advisory opinion requested by the General Assembly of the United Nations on the legal consequences of the continued violation by the occupying entity of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, its prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of the Palestinian territory. These include measures aimed at changing the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Al-Quds and the a
doption of related discriminatory legislation and measures, as well as the impact of the policies and practices of the Zionist entity on the legal status of the occupation.

“This option stems from our country’s belief in the symbolism of this opinion, initiated by the most representative body of the United Nations and requested by the main judicial organ of the United Nations,” the Foreign Ministry statement said.

It also goes beyond the criminalisation of the massacres committed against unarmed civilians in Gaza, regardless of their legal qualification as genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity, to include fundamental and existential issues for the Palestinian people concerning their right to self-determination and the legal status of the occupation.

In its arguments, Tunisia will seek to expose the lack of international legitimacy of the occupying entity and its gross violation of the fundamental instruments and principles of international law, in the hope that the ICJ’s advisory opinion will lea
d to the unveiling of the usurping and colonial face of the occupied entity before the international community, as was the case with the Court’s opinion on the separation wall in July 2004.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Tunisia cannot make any concessions to its firm position on the fundamental Palestinian cause and will not budge from it. It remains open and supportive of initiatives, procedures and declarations that do not date the Palestinian cause from October 7, 2023, do not draw parallels between the victim and the perpetrator, and do not condemn resistance.

It added that Tunisia will not join any proceedings instituted against the occupying entity before the International Court of Justice, as ‘this would be an implicit recognition of this entity.’

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse