At the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, a conference organized by the International Observatory for Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights in Geneva brought together experts, policymakers, and civil society actors to discuss the right to development and security challenges in the Sahel and the Maghreb.
Aïcha Douihi, head of the International Human Rights Observatory in Geneva, stressed the importance of prioritizing human-centric public policies to ensure a decent standard of living amidst conflicts and dialogue deficits.
El Habib Belkouch, president of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy Studies, provided insights into the right to development in the Maghreb, highlighting persistent challenges despite economic potential. Belkouch commended Morocco’s efforts in achieving development milestones while addressing political, economic, and social issues, albeit acknowledging existing deficiencies.
Souhail Belhadj Klaz underscored the necessity of a strategic approach to combat instability in the Sahel, emphasizing the importance of democratic governance and international cooperation to address root causes effectively.
Awa N’Diaye, President of Espace Afrique International, advocated for South-South cooperation, praising Morocco’s development strategy and initiatives such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project. N’Diaye hailed Morocco’s commitment to African solidarity, positioning South-South cooperation as a cornerstone of its foreign policy and economic development endeavors.
