Morocco Elected to Lead United Nations Human Rights Council

In a closely watched vote, Morocco has secured the position to lead the United Nations Human Rights Council, following a spirited competition with South Africa. Ambassador Omar Zniber, the Moroccan candidate, received 30 votes in a secret ballot held in Geneva, while his South African opponent, Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi, secured 17 votes.

The lead-up to the vote saw a heated debate over the fitness of both nations to preside over the Human Rights Council. Ambassador Nkosi argued that Morocco’s election would undermine the credibility of the council, stating that Morocco was the “antithesis of what the council stands for.”

In response, Morocco accused South Africa and some other African states of attempting to undermine its candidacy, despite garnering support from countries around the world. Morocco’s foreign ministry stated that its election demonstrated the trust and credibility it has earned through its external actions.

This election marked a rare public dispute within the African group, which typically aims to make decisions as a unified bloc. The dispute revolved in part around Morocco’s sovereignty claim over Western Sahara, a region where the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks independence. Morocco has faced allegations of human rights abuses related to this issue.

Morocco has been actively seeking support for its policies on Western Sahara, courting countries, including its African neighbours. However, South Africa has remained firm in its stance against Morocco’s claims and even organised an event promoting self-determination for the Sahrawi people in Geneva last year.

Human rights organisations expect Morocco to uphold human rights at the highest level as it assumes its role leading the Human Rights Council. Tess McEvoy, the Co-Director of the New York office of the International Service for Human Rights advocacy group, emphasised the importance of Morocco refraining from intimidating or carrying out reprisals against human rights defenders engaging with the U.N.

The United Nations Human Rights Council convenes several times a year and is the only global intergovernmental body dedicated to protecting human rights worldwide. It has the authority to scrutinise countries’ human rights records and authorise investigations.

Morocco’s election to lead the council underscores the broader conversation about human rights and the responsibility of nations to safeguard them at the international level.