Interactive dialogue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on her report on countries' responses to Covid-19 pandemic
Intervention by Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), during her participation in the interactive dialogue with Ms. Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, regarding her report on countries’ responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, organized within the framework of the 47th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva:
"Mr. President,
The National Human Rights Council in Morocco welcomes the study on “COVID-19 and National Human Rights Institutions” and takes this opportunity to share with you some of our relevant conclusions.
Last May, we published our annual report “Covid-19: Exceptional situation and a new human rights challenge”, which includes an assessment of the implementation of 22 thematic rights and six group, as well as conclusions and recommendations for upholding rights during crises.
The pandemic imposed new approaches on us. The digital space has become the incubator of freedoms. It has been obvious that the right to education and the right to health are not only fundamental rights, but they are also based on two pillars for elaborating collective and societal solutions.
While we appreciate the State's adoption of free vaccination for citizens and foreigners in Morocco, we regret the weakness of international solidarity in this regard.
Inequality has worsened during the health crisis and we will be facing an even greater challenge on post-COVID period. The inequality gap may widen whether between countries or within societies, especially as the pace to exit from the crisis continues to slow.
Today, more than ever, the post-Covid-19 world is at our hands. Its features will be shaped by what we make and do... It is an exceptional opportunity to translate the universality of human rights."