Significant Advances in Compensation for Tazmamart Victims
The National Human Rights Council of Morocco has recently released a report highlighting a remarkable progress in the follow-up and implementation of the remaining recommendations from the Equity and Reconciliation Commission. The report emphasizes a strategic focus on both uncovering the truth and preserving national memory, particularly concerning the victims of the former Tazmamart detention center. In a significant achievement, the Council has successfully resolved 58 cases related to these victims, allocating an impressive total of over 164 million dirhams specifically for financial reparations to this group.
In its findings, the report notes that the Council has initiated a complex process of conducting genetic analyses to identify remains, overcoming previous challenges related to the degradation of bone samples that had resisted analysis in earlier years. Morocco has transitioned from reliance on international laboratories, such as the one in Nantes, France, to complete dependence on local expertise provided by the National Forensic Science Laboratory. This shift underscores the country's commitment to self-sufficiency in forensic science.
Collaboration and Community Involvement
The National Human Rights Council also highlighted the fruitful collaboration between various entities, including the Public Prosecution Office and the forensic medicine department, ensuring meticulous legal and scientific oversight throughout the process of exhumation and identification of remains. The report commended the extensive participation of families of the deceased, indicating their involvement was based on what the Council termed "free and informed consent" in accordance with international standards for the protection of personal data.
Moreover, the report mentioned the follow-up committee's efforts to conduct home visits to families with elderly members, facilitating the collection of genetic samples to spare them the burden of travel and ensuring comprehensive genetic data collection. In reviewing the compensation efforts for Tazmamart victims, the report revealed that all 58 cases have been fully addressed, encompassing financial compensation, social integration, and administrative regularization. The total cost for compensating the victims in this file alone exceeds 164 million dirhams, as part of broader efforts to restore dignity to the victims and their families.
Alongside the technical advancements, Morocco has made significant strides in preparing memorial spaces, including the former “Kalaa M’Gouna” detention center, graves of the victims of enforced disappearance, and the preservation of related sites.
As reported by thevoice.ma.
