The Moroccan Human Rights Organization has urged the country to transition from a de facto moratorium on the death penalty to its complete abolition from the Moroccan penal code. This move is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the protection of the right to life and upholding human dignity. The organization emphasized that the right to life is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed.
The organization made this statement on the occasion of the World Day Against the Death Penalty, which is observed on October 10. They reaffirmed their commitment to their principled stance demanding the complete abolition of the death penalty. Morocco had previously made a significant move in this direction on December 17, 2024, when it voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for a global moratorium on the death penalty.
While Morocco has not carried out any executions since 1993 and has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, it has not yet acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to this Covenant, which aims to abolish the death penalty. The organization highlighted that despite this progress, Morocco still has not taken the final step of legally abolishing the death penalty.
The Moroccan Human Rights Organization stressed that their call for the abolition of the death penalty does not imply leniency towards those who commit crimes or disregard the rights of victims and their families to justice, fairness, and reparations. They emphasized that protecting society and achieving justice can be accomplished while fully respecting the right to life.
The organization drew attention to the irreversible nature of the death penalty, particularly in cases where judicial errors may occur, and the consequences of such errors cannot be rectified. They advocated for a criminal approach that balances the protection of society with the guarantee of fundamental rights and freedoms.
The Moroccan Human Rights Organization requested that Morocco accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and align its penal code with Article 20 of the Moroccan Constitution, which enshrines the right to life. They also called for the conversion of death sentences to custodial sentences and the enhancement of fair trial guarantees and victims' rights.
The organization believes that Morocco's transition towards the legal abolition of the death penalty would reinforce the country's human rights achievements and harmonize its legal system with constitutional principles and international human rights standards. They argued that over three decades of a moratorium on the death penalty, coupled with constitutional provisions and international commitments, provide a solid foundation for this transition.
Key points
- The Moroccan Human Rights Organization is urging the government to abolish the death penalty completely.
- Morocco has not carried out any executions since 1993 but has not yet abolished the death penalty from its penal code.
- The organization believes that abolishing the death penalty would enhance Morocco's human rights record and align its laws with international standards.
