ICTJ Events

July 14, 2006

CONFERENCE: Examining Transitional Justice in Morocco | Rabat, Morocco

Transitional justice experts will gather with national civil society groups, victims advocates, government representatives, former members of Morocco's Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER), and local and international press to reflect on Morocco's truth-seeking experience at a three-day conference 14-16 July.

Held at the Golden Tulip Farah Hotel in Rabat, the conference-"Examining Transitional Justice in Morocco in Light of the Experience of the IER"-is expected to generate significant debate around questions of justice, reparations, and democracy following more than two years of intensive investigations and public hearings conducted by the IER on past human rights violations in Morocco.

Bringing together a diverse group of actors, the conference aims to elicit meaningful critique and feedback; provide a preliminary assessment of the IER's impact; ensure that victims groups and civil society have a voice in national debates around Morocco's truth-seeking process; and assist in the implementation of recommendations made by the IER in their Final Report to King Mohammed VI. The Report's recommendations are comprised of a series of measures geared towards advancing a culture of human rights and democracy in Morocco.

This event will mark the first organized public discussion of the IER's successes, shortcomings, and ongoing challenges in the post-Commission era. A self-reflective and collaborative step, the discussions that will take place over the next few days integrally involve human rights and victims groups. Their participation is considered crucial to ensuring both the successful implementation of the Commission's recommendations and to furthering the transitional justice processes aimed at uncovering the truth and advancing justice in Morocco.

The conference will feature panel discussions with former commissioners; representatives from key Moroccan human rights organizations; various government ministers and leaders of Morocco's main political parties; and staff members from the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), including Alex Boraine, founding president and chairperson of the ICTJ's board, and former deputy chairperson of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The event is being co-hosted by the Moroccan Centre for the Study of Human Rights and Democracy (CEDHD) and the ICTJ, with substantial support from the governments of Switzerland and Denmark, and the Friedrich-Ebert Institute.

Friday July 14, 2006

· 9:00-9:50: Introductory Remarks

· 10:15-12:15: "Transitional Justice in Morocco: Political Actors and the IER."

· 12:15-1:15: Open discussion

· 2:30-4:30: "Dealing with Serious Violations of Human Rights in Light of the IER Experience: The Human Rights Community Speaks"

· 4:50-6:30:Open discussion

Saturday July 15, 2006

· 9:00-10:40: "The IER and its Interactions with Civil Society."

· 11:00- 12:30: Open discussion

· 2:30-4:10: "The IER's Approach to Questions of Justice, Reparations, and Victims' Needs."

· 4:30-6:00: Open discussion

Sunday July 16, 2006

· 9:00-10:40: "International NGOs and Transitional Justice in Light of the IER Experience."

· 11:00-12:30: Open discussion

· 2:30-4:30: "Evaluating the Transitional Justice Process in Morocco: Reflections from Scholars and Researchers."

· 4:50-6:20: Open discussion

Note: All events take place at the Golden Tulip Hotel Farah in Rabat, Morocco. Individuals who wish to attend should RSVP by contacting the organizers listed below. National and international press do not require invitations and are strongly encouraged to attend.