Mustapha Ramid calls for dedicated human rights ministry in Morocco

Mustapha Ramid, former Minister of Justice and Human Rights, has called for the reinstatement of a dedicated ministerial position for human rights within the upcoming government formation led by Fatima Zahra Mansouri.

Ramid argues that the absence of a specialized minister weakens the balance between maintaining public order and protecting civil liberties. He noted that while the Minister of Interior holds significant authority to protect public order, human rights issues lack a high-ranking advocate within the Council of Ministers to ensure they are prioritized during policy debates. He cited Article 92 of the Constitution, which mandates that the government discuss matters concerning both human rights and public order.

Furthermore, Ramid criticized the recent decline in the effectiveness of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH). He suggested that a specialized minister, even if combined with another portfolio like Justice, would provide the necessary moral authority to influence public policy and uphold democratic choices. He recalled the previous administration under Saadeddine Othmani, where a dedicated human rights minister successfully ensured that democracy and the rule of law were central pillars of the government's official declaration.