The Equity and Reconciliation Commission has been in the news a fair bit in the last few weeks and we have commented on it HERE. Now, for a different perspective, here is a piece from the Khaleej Times Online. The commentator is Mohammed A. R. Galadari
MOROCCO SHOWS THE WAY
MOROCCO is sending out some good signals to the rest of the region in respect of human rights. Investigations over and cases identified, the field is now officially open there for public discussions in respect of the rights violations there in the past four decades. What is important is that these discussions must lead to positive results.
Dear readers, the setting up of the Equity and Reconciliation Panel (IER) by the king a year ago to document cases of rights abuses under the previous dispensation, headed by his father, had drawn world-wide attention and appreciation also for the reason that this was the first effort of its kind in respect of human rights protection in some parts of the Arab world. That showed Morocco's commitment to the cause of reforms. What also gave added credibility to the investigation panel was the inclusion in it of several prominent victims of state-sponsored repression.
The path-breaking investigations, also involving nationally televised public hearings in respect of rights abuses, showed the world how a new government can seek to investigate and rectify the mistakes of the past dispensations; and it served notice on those who, out of their personal whims, indulge in excesses and hope to get away with their acts in the name of the state interests. They do not present the right picture to those in power, and believe that their acts will never be noticed in public.
The present king in Morocco wanted to change this scenario, and know what was going on. He thought it was better that he investigated things himself, rather than seeing international agencies or the Western media coming up with exposes that embarrass him and the country in future. Now, everyone has to be careful about what they do-whether it be the police, the judiciary, the administrative apparatus or the so-called agents. There can be more public hearings and exposes that can put them in trouble.
The panel, on its part, has done a job. Individual cases of some 16,000 people had been investigated and compensation recommended in respect of 10,000 cases-either for the surviving victims or to the families of those who had been eliminated in established cases of tortures and other brutalities at the behest of the establishment. Yet, it was also that those who testified before the panel had not been allowed to identify the perpetrators of the crimes. Perhaps this might have helped many to escape punishment this time. Yet, the warning against such acts is for real; public hearings can expose people and their deeds.
Dear readers, the public discussions are bound to have a positive impact on the human rights situation in the country, as also the region as a whole. Such discussions would help the government act in a way as to make sure that such mistakes do not recur in future and take stronger measures to protect people's rights for all times to come.
Tags: Morocco, Fès, travel, news
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