Morocco’s Presidency of UNHRC: A New Prospect for Making Africa’s Voice Heard – Swiss Political Scientist –

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.