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In a move that underscores its deepening engagement with global human rights initiatives, Morocco has announced its commitment to actively participate in the preparations for the 11th edition of the Glion Human Rights Dialogue, scheduled to take place in Glion, Switzerland, in October 2025.
Speaking from Geneva on Thursday, July 3, 2025, during the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Mr. Mohamed Habib Belkouch, the Interministerial Delegate for Human Rights, confirmed Morocco’s readiness to contribute as a key partner in ensuring the success of the upcoming edition. The announcement was made during a preparatory meeting co-organized by the Moroccan Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights and Morocco’s Permanent Mission to the UN Office in Geneva. The event was held in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, Global Rights Group, and UN Women.
The Glion Dialogue, held annually, is considered a pivotal international forum for human rights discussions. Mr. Belkouch highlighted the significance of this year’s focus on strengthening National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRFs), noting their role in driving meaningful change, bolstering political commitment, and fostering inclusive oversight structures with tangible implementation plans — all vital elements toward a more effective global human rights governance system.
Morocco’s engagement, he stressed, stems from a firm belief in the power of dialogue to transform international commitments into actionable benefits for citizens. He reiterated Morocco’s ongoing dedication to closely follow human rights developments and to collaborate with the Human Rights Council and UN agencies in defense of universality and international solidarity on human rights matters.
The preparatory meeting revolved around the theme: “Key Success Factors – Best National Practices in Implementing Recommendations on Gender Equality and Women’s Rights, and International Support.” In this context, Mr. Belkouch emphasized the heightened relevance of the topic in 2025, as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Citing a recent joint report by UN Women and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, he pointed out that many of the goals set in Beijing remain unmet, making this year a critical milestone for reassessment.
Delving into Morocco’s national mechanisms, Mr. Belkouch described them as more than bureaucratic tools — they are dynamic drivers of public policy that help systematically integrate UN recommendations into lasting actions. He drew connections between these efforts and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 5 on gender equality.
He also took the opportunity to outline Morocco’s notable achievements in promoting women’s rights and gender equality, a national priority driven by a series of reforms initiated under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. These include constitutional amendments enshrining gender parity, the reform of the Family Code, and other progressive measures that position Morocco as a strong advocate for women’s rights on the international stage.
It is worth noting that Morocco hosted the 10th edition of the Glion Dialogue in October 2024, which concluded with the adoption of the “Marrakech Guiding Framework.” This milestone document marked a turning point in international discourse on NMIRFs, offering a comprehensive reference for countries seeking to build or strengthen these mechanisms. It promotes effective governmental coordination in linking international obligations to national policies — particularly sectoral strategies and national plans — while fostering meaningful dialogue with civil society and national human rights institutions, and ensuring coherence with the SDGs.
As Morocco prepares for another round of strategic engagement at Glion, its message is clear: global dialogue, anchored in concrete national action, is the path forward for real human rights progress.
