U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of The Kingdom of Morocco

As Delivered by Kelly Billingsley

41st Session

Thank you, Mr. President.

We welcome the distinguished delegation from the Kingdom of Morocco.

The United States commends the Moroccan government’s efforts to implement reforms envisioned in the 2011 constitution.  We welcomed the 2016 press code intended to prevent the unlawful imprisonment of individuals exercising their freedom of expression.  However, we remain concerned about restrictions of free expression and fair trial guarantees.As part of the UPR process, we recommend that the Kingdom of Morocco:

• Ensure journalists, human rights defenders, and other individuals are not prosecuted or detained for the exercise of their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, or association, and ensure all individuals receive fair trial guarantees.
• Approve license applications for all non-governmental associations seeking registration in accordance with the law, including organizations advocating for members of minority populations, and issue official receipts to NGOs immediately upon application for registration.
• Facilitate the visit of UN special procedures, including Special Rapporteurs on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association and on the situation of human rights defenders.

We wish the Kingdom of Morocco a successful UPR. I thank you.

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