During three days, from September 26 to 28, 2012 in Rabat, the ICJ ESCR Programme and the MENA Regional Programme organized two events in collaboration with the OMDH (Organisation Marocaine des Droits Humains).
ICJ Commissioner Mr. Roberto Garreton supported the three-day programme. The first two days were dedicated to a workshop gathering 30 representatives of human rights NGOs, service providers, consumer protection groups, lawyers and academic experts.
The participants were trained and had discussions on the opportunities, the challenges and the remedies that the Moroccan legal and institutional framework offers to individuals and groups seeking justice for violations.
Discussions also concerned the legal reforms undertaken in the country and how they will impact the ability for victims of human rights violations to access justice.
The participants particularly welcomed the workshop setting and focus that brought together a variety of groups working in relevant areas.
On the third day, 28 September 2012, a symposium attended by civil society actors, lawyers and academia as well as by members of the judiciary and of the Conseil National des Droits de l’Homme was the opportunity to discuss the role of judges in the realization of economic, social and cultural rights.
The two events are part of a project that will involve further research and consultation on access to justice for ESCR in close collaboration with national civil society.
Background of the Workshop
With national projects such as the one in El Salvador, the ICJ programme on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights aims at contributing to improve accountability for human rights violations and access to justice for all, including for victims of threats against and violations of economic, social and cultural rights.
The ICJ has embarked on research processes at national level to identify obstacles and opportunities for access to justice, as well as on consultation and collaboration processes with national allies to define strategies to address gaps.
Depending on the needs identified, the ICJ will support the implementation of recommendations and steps that includes trainings and legal interventions.