[symple_box]Mr. Hazelwood is a human rights activist and often writes about topics relating to governance and human rights. [/symple_box]
In Morocco – and other developing countries – people mistakenly assume there is peace in the absence of violence. However, Moroccan people are marginalized and oppressed. Both marginalization and oppression may not be as loud or as visible as violence but both are just as devastating to the development of individuals and communities.
Although the Moroccan government has made progressive strides in recent years to include human rights provisions in their constitution, human rights violations remain visibly clear. A more purposeful course of action is clearly necessary.
Human rights will continue to play a critical role in the development of nations. Human rights guarantee people the means necessary to satisfy their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and education, so people can take full advantage of all opportunities.
A sustainable human rights intervention is needed in Morocco. It is time to begin the difficult process of a political transformation of building a more transparent, inclusive, open government based on the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The process is complicated and takes time but the time to begin is now. Moroccan officials must put human rights at the heart of their strategies for development. Some people do not want to see change. Politics will not stand still. The pursuit to address human rights issues does present challenges, but these can – and must – be managed.
The fate of Morocco is in the hands of the Moroccan people – and their hands only. People shouldn’t fear the government; the government should fear the people. Will the Moroccan people remain quiet? Or speak – and speak loud? Will they remain still? Or actively participate?
[symple_box]Please Note that the views expressed in all opinions on The Moroccan Times are the authors’s own and do not reflect The Moroccan Times editorial policy.[/symple_box]
