Without Women’s Rights, Neither Peace Nor Inclusive Development Can Truly Last – Morocco’s FM
The implementation of this UN agenda reflects a deeply rooted national conviction that “without women’s rights, neither peace nor inclusive development can truly last,” said on Thursday in New York Mr.
Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, who chaired the official launch ceremony for the extension of Morocco’s National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (Women, Peace and Security).
The Minister noted that Morocco has chosen to extend its National Action Plan for women, peace, and security by two additional years, through 2026, “to consolidate achievements and adapt to new challenges.”
This decision, Mr. Bourita explained, is primarily based on conflict prevention and the protection of women against violence through judicial reforms and the mobilization of defense and security institutions, while promoting a culture of peace “rooted in our national values and teaching equality in schools.”
It is also grounded in the principle of active participation of women in peace and security, placing Morocco 9th amongtroop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations, with 3,400 personnel, the Minister added.
In this regard, Mr. Bourita noted that the Moroccan contingent includes 120 women, representing 28% of the experts in its missions. Furthermore, since 2013, female officers have had access to advanced military training and operational planning, preparing them for decision-making at the highest levels.
The extension of the National Action Plan is also based on the principle of protecting women and girls through a modernized legal framework, he noted, emphasizing that this principle is enshrined in the 2011 Constitution, Moroccan legislation, and ongoing reforms of the Family Code and procedural laws.
Mr. Bourita also reaffirmed Morocco’s determination to promote dialogue and cooperation on women’s issues, particularly with African and Atlantic partners, at a time when an increasing number of countries are adopting National Action Plans that provide opportunities to transform these mechanisms into effective tools of cooperation.