Moroccan conflict and the European Parliament over the issue of human rights in Morocco

 

The European Parliament and Morocco have been locked in a struggle over human rights for years. The European Parliament has repeatedly called on the Moroccan government to improve its human rights record, while Morocco has accused the European Union of interference in its internal affairs.

The European Parliament has long been critical of the Moroccan government’s human rights record. In 2018, it passed a resolution calling on Morocco to “immediately and unconditionally release all prisoners of conscience” and to “cease all forms of repression against peaceful protesters and journalists.” The resolution also called for an independent investigation into allegations of torture and ill-treatment in Moroccan prisons.

Morocco, however, has pushed back against these demands. In 2019, it accused the European Union of “interference in its internal affairs” and said that it would not accept any external pressure on its human rights record. It also argued that the EU was using human rights as a tool to pressure Morocco into making concessions on other issues such as migration and trade.

Despite these tensions, there have been some positive developments in recent years. In 2020, Morocco adopted a new constitution that enshrines many civil liberties such as freedom of expression and assembly. Additionally, the country has taken steps to improve conditions for migrants and refugees living within its borders. 

However, much work remains to be done before Morocco can be considered a fully democratic state with respect for human rights. The European Parliament will likely continue to pressure Morocco to make further reforms in this area, while Morocco will likely continue to resist external interference in its internal affairs.