Advancements in Truth-Seeking and Memory Preservation
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) of Morocco has recently unveiled a report highlighting a remarkable advancement in tracking and implementing the remaining recommendations from the Equity and Reconciliation Commission. The report emphasizes a strategic focus on two critical areas: "truth revelation" and "preserving national memory." This concerted effort has culminated in the successful closure of 58 cases concerning victims of the former "Tazmamart" detention center, with a comprehensive financial package exceeding 164 million dirhams allocated solely for compensating this group.
Furthermore, the report reveals that the Council has successfully initiated a complex process involving genetic expertise analyses to identify remains, overcoming challenges posed by the deterioration of bone samples that had previously hindered analysis. Notably, Morocco has transitioned from reliance on international laboratories, such as the Nantes lab in France, to full dependence on national expertise provided by the National Scientific and Technical Police Laboratory.
Collaborative Efforts and Community Engagement
In addition to these technical advancements, the CNDH has highlighted the close cooperation between its organization, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the forensic medicine department to ensure accurate legal and scientific support throughout all stages of remains extraction and identification. The Council commended the widespread response from the families of the deceased, indicating that their involvement was based on what they termed "free and informed consent," in alignment with international standards for protecting personal data.
The report also notes that a follow-up committee has been organized to conduct home visits for families with elderly members to collect their genetic samples, thus alleviating the burden of travel and ensuring the comprehensiveness of the genetic database. In reviewing the compensation efforts for the victims of the "Tazmamart" detention center, the report highlights that 58 cases have been fully addressed, encompassing financial compensation, social integration, and administrative resolution. The total financial compensation for this specific file alone has surpassed 164 million dirhams, reinforcing efforts to restore dignity to the victims and their families.
Alongside these technical measures, Morocco has made significant strides in preparing memory spaces, including the "Kelaa M’gouna" detention center and the graves of victims of enforced disappearance, as well as the maintenance of historically significant social event graves. The CNDH has allocated a budget of 1.34 million dirhams for 2024 to continue developing the "Tazmamart Memorial Site," aiming to transform it from a symbol of pain into a space for learning and remembrance. The renovation project includes the construction of a "model cell," rehabilitation of reception wings, exhibition halls, and technical facilities, utilizing solar energy and advanced monitoring systems.
The project will feature a comprehensive signage system to guide and educate visitors about the site's pathways and its various internal and external spaces, as well as the development of dedicated areas for local cooperatives, thus contributing to economic activity in the surrounding areas of these historical landmarks. The report concludes by indicating the imminent completion of the "Al Hoceima Museum" project and the support for victims' forums, representing a significant step towards institutionalizing memory preservation and honoring the human rights pioneers who have contributed to this journey.
As reported by thevoice.ma.
