Morocco's Commitment to Ending Gender-Based Violence

In a significant step towards addressing the global issue of violence against women and girls, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, alongside the UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development, Yvette Cooper, and representatives from six other nations including Spain, Brazil, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jamaica, and South Africa, officially launched an International Coalition during a hybrid-format meeting. This cross-regional initiative is designed to unite countries in their efforts to combat violence against women and girls at a national level, emphasizing the importance of sharing expertise, enhancing political commitment, and tackling challenges posed by emerging technologies. The coalition has set an ambitious goal to halve the incidence of violence against women and girls within the next decade.

During the launch, Mr. Bourita articulated Morocco's strong dedication to this cause, underscoring the necessity for international and multilateral efforts, such as this Coalition, to ensure that every woman and girl can live a life marked by dignity, safety, and equality. He also pointed to the significant institutional and legislative advancements that Morocco has made in this area. Notably, he referenced Law No. 103.13, which addresses violence against women and was enacted in September 2018, along with the National Policy to Combat Violence against Women and Girls adopted in 2021, both aimed at eradicating this issue by 2030.

Guiding Principles and Future Initiatives

At the conclusion of the ministerial meeting, Mr. Bourita signed a joint document that delineates the High-Level Principles that will guide the Coalition's operations. This document highlights critical facets such as the importance of prevention, addressing the root causes of violence, ensuring accountability for offenders, and providing support to victims of violence. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that an International Summit focusing on violence against women and girls is scheduled to take place in 2027, signaling a sustained commitment to this crucial issue.

As reported by diplomatie.ma.