Morocco to Lead UN Human Rights Council

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Facts

• Morocco was elected in a vote in Geneva on Wednesday to head the UN Human Rights Council. This came despite objections from South Africa that Morocco's human rights record over its sovereignty claim over Western Sahara makes it unsuitable to take on the role.¹
• The continent of Africa was in line to assume the role of president of the Human Rights Council, but the 13 African members of the council were not able to settle on a single candidate, making a vote necessary. In that vote, Omar Zniber, the Moroccan ambassador, received 30 votes in a secret ballot to lead the council as its new president.²
• Before the vote, South African ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi informed the media that Morocco would damage the credibility of the Human Rights Commission, calling Morocco the 'antithesis of what the council stands for.' Nkosi secured 17 votes for the role.³
• Algeria and South Africa both dispute Morocco's Western Sahara claim, as they support the Polisario Front, which seeks independence from Morocco. Despite Algeria and South Africa's vigorous lobbying efforts, Morocco was able to gain support for its bid to secure the presidency of the body.⁴
• Morocco has also been criticized for its alleged discrimination against women and minorities. Nongovernmental organizations also accuse Morocco of repressing journalists and violating the human rights of activists. Additionally, Morocco has been accused of breaking into the phones of international and Moroccan journalists, activists, and politicians by using Pegasus spyware. The Kingdom has refuted these allegations, calling them 'unjust and fantasist.'¹
• The UN Human Rights Council is the only intergovernmental body in the world created to protect human rights at a global scale. The 47-member council meets in Geneva several times a year and has the authority to impose stricter oversight on countries' human rights records and to order investigations. ⁵

Sources: ¹Al Jazeera, ²France 24, ³US News & World Report, ⁴BusinessLIVE and ⁵Voice of America.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by The Rafto Foundation. At a time when we more than ever need a strong and undivided UN, choosing Morocco to lead the UN Human Rights Council will only serve to undermine the credibility of the UN system. Morocco has persisted in systematically violating human rights. Morocco's illegal occupation of Western Sahara, which has lasted for nearly 50 years, is probably the worst of all its human rights violations. It's a sad day for the human rights community. 
• Narrative B, as provided by Moroccoworldnews. The appointment of Ambassador Omar Zniber to serve as President of the Human Rights Council in 2024 is a great honor for both the Kingdom of Morocco and the Ambassador. Morocco's nomination was enabled by its dedication to ensuring universal respect for human rights and its ongoing engagement with addressing global issues. The council's perspective on international human rights initiatives will most certainly be influenced by Morocco's vast experience in protecting and advancing human rights.

Predictions