Morocco's National Human Rights Council (CNDH) has defended the country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, stating that its achievements should be recognized while acknowledging its shortcomings. The council's statement follows controversy over remarks by MP and former police official Mahmoud Archane about allegations of human rights abuses during Morocco's Years of Lead. Archane rejected allegations linking him to torture and challenged his critics to a televised debate.
The CNDH emphasized that discussing the commission's experience is a legitimate right and that assessing its achievements and limitations is part of democratic practice. The council stressed the need for accuracy and respect for victims, warning against criticism that dismisses the commission's entire record. Established in January 2004, the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER) was created to address serious human rights violations committed in Morocco between 1956 and 1999.
The CNDH highlighted that the commission's creation resulted from a royal initiative, efforts by human rights organizations, demands from victims and their families, and civil society engagement. The council said that victims' rights should not depend on their political views, beliefs, or geographical background. Recognition of their suffering should not be subject to political divisions, the council added.
The CNDH acknowledged that the commission faced difficulties accessing information and dealing with different accounts and interpretations of historical events. However, it stressed that the commission was never intended to establish a final version of history or end historical research. Understanding historical and political contexts helps explain the conditions in which violations occurred and draw lessons from them.
The council called for greater access to archives, preservation of testimonies, and conditions that allow independent research while protecting victims' privacy. The CNDH also highlighted the different effects of human rights violations on women and men, as well as the suffering experienced by families and local communities. Reparations should go beyond financial compensation to include restoring dignity, addressing social and administrative barriers, and providing health support.
The CNDH said recognizing the state's responsibility for past violations was an important institutional step toward acknowledging the harm caused and fulfilling obligations toward victims and society. However, it clarified that this recognition should not be understood as a comprehensive historical judgment on every event or individual involved. The council highlighted several areas requiring continued reform, including judicial independence, security sector governance, and protection of freedoms.
The CNDH continues to monitor implementation, assess progress, and identify areas requiring further action. The council pointed to international recognition of Morocco's transitional justice experience, including references in United Nations reports. Concluding its statement, the CNDH called on political, institutional, and civil society actors to approach discussions about the commission through objective research, accurate facts, and respect for victims.
Key points
- The CNDH defends Morocco's Truth and Reconciliation Commission amid controversy over MP Mahmoud Archane's remarks.
- The commission was established to address serious human rights violations committed in Morocco between 1956 and 1999.
- The CNDH emphasizes that victims' rights should not depend on their political views, beliefs, or geographical background.
