In a decision that drew smiles in Rabat, Morocco was set to preside over the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2024, following a vote that saw regional and international reactions. The outcome was presented as international acknowledgment of the Alawite kingdom’s ongoing work in advancing rights and freedoms, according to official channels in the Moroccan capital.
Omar Zniber, Morocco’s permanent representative to the UN institutions in Geneva, led the candidacy with broad backing from 30 of the 47 member countries of the council. The opposing candidate, South Africa, received 17 votes, as confirmed by the United Nations body. This result underscored shifting alignments around the council as it prepared for its upcoming cycle.
A symbolic post, the presidency of the council carries the weight of setting agendas and guiding discussions among member states. In 2024, the process was notably regional, with a group of African nations participating in a debate that highlighted divergent views and national priorities. With no single preferred candidate emerging from the group, a first secret ballot since 2021 was held to determine the leadership.
Morocco’s Foreign Ministry stressed that the win reflected broad international recognition of the UN’s efforts to protect and promote human rights, a commitment repeatedly echoed by King Mohammed VI in discussions about development and dignity within the kingdom’s constitutional framework established in 2011.
Statements from Rabat also noted widespread support among allies while acknowledging that opponents to Morocco’s candidacy remained active. The campaign drew attention to regional dynamics, including comments from some partners and observers who raised questions about broader regional tensions and diplomatic stances at the UN level.
Oubi Bucharaya, the Polisario Front’s ambassador to the UN, urged council members this week to consider the implications of any deployment or mandate affecting the continent. He argued against what he described as a “military occupation force” and pointed to the long-standing concerns about the status of Western Sahara and regional agreements. Bucharaya also argued that the continent needs a leadership image aligned with Africa’s own values and history of governance, rather than any arrangement that would be seen as externally imposed or out of step with regional norms.
Morocco responded by stressing that the presidency should reflect Africa’s diverse voices and the shared ambition for stability, development, and respect for human rights. The dialogue framed the 2024 cycle as an opportunity for constructive engagement, practical outcomes, and a recommitment to universal standards in human rights, rule of law, and social progress. In discussions at the council, delegates emphasized accountability, transparent reporting, and the protection of vulnerable populations as guiding principles for the year ahead. Evidence cited by supporters highlighted the country’s investments in education, health, and civil liberties as part of a broader reform agenda.
Observers noted that the council’s leadership often influences the tempo of debates on sensitive topics, including accountability mechanisms, the protection of civilians in conflict zones, and the integration of human rights concerns into development and security policymaking. The Moroccan leadership was expected to engage with a wide range of partners, including regional blocs and international organizations, to advance shared objectives while navigating the complex geopolitics that characterize the council’s work.
Overall, the decision to place Morocco at the helm of the Human Rights Council in 2024 was seen as a milestone that would shape conversations on rights protections, freedoms, and the pace of reform in multiple regions. As delegates prepared for formal sessions, the focus remained on practical measures, transparent reporting, and cooperative diplomacy that could translate into tangible gains for people on the ground. Cited: UN News and official Moroccan diplomatic briefings.