STATEMENT OF U.S. AMBASSADOR TO MOROCCO THOMAS RILEY ON THE 2007 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On March 11, the U.S. Department of State released the 2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which include sections on
Morocco and the
Western Sahara. In commenting on the release of the reports, which have been mandated by Congress since 1977, Ambassador Thomas Riley said, “The U.S. Government vigorously promotes the cause of human rights as a core component of our foreign policy. This is based on a belief that a democratic system that includes free and fair elections; accountable and representative government institutions; and vibrant, independent civil society, political parties, NGOS, and free media, is the best guarantor of human rights. In
Morocco, we see progress and a will to promote democratic change and respect for human rights, but
Morocco still faces challenges in traveling the path of reform.
The 2007 human rights report describes Morocco’s progress in human rights, including implementation of the 2007 Citizenship Code amendment, as well as efforts to improve prisons, eliminate trafficking in persons, confront child labor, and strengthen the position and role of women in society. Ambassador Riley said, “Morocco took a courageous step in promoting electoral transparency by allowing domestic and international observation of the 2007 parliamentary elections. In the United Nations and internationally, Morocco is recognized for its promotion of respect for human rights.” Ambassador Riley also reiterated
U.S. encouragement for
Morocco’s efforts to expand freedom of expression. “Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are fundamental to democracy. The passage of a long-awaited revised press code that ensures greater freedom of expression would be a further sign of
Morocco’s continuing commitment to human rights, as would increased attention to the application of Moroccan law to human rights violators.”
2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - Morocco
2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - Western Sahara
Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
U.S. Department of State
March 11, 2008
