MOROCCO
Morocco’s first and current WPS NAP was launched in March 2022. It has not been widely published, however, and no translation has been undertaken. The following notes are based on the presentation by Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, Aawatif Hayar, to the Security Council in New York on 9 March 2023, and a Policy Brief published by the Policy Center for the New South, also dated March 2023. An update to this page will be provided when the NAP becomes publicly available.
Objectives of the 2022 NAP:
Morocco’s NAP is based on three priority pillars:
• Preventive diplomacy, mediation, and peacekeeping;
• Promotion of a culture of peace and equality;
• Women’s economic participation.
In her presentation to the Security Council in March 2023, Minister Hayer said the national action plan aims to strengthen the capacity of women in all areas so that they can cope with emerging threats in an increasingly complex regional and international environment.
Commentary:
Although this is Morocco’s first WPS NAP, the Kingdom has been a supporter of UN peacekeeping missions for decades, and in April 2023 ranked 11th amongst contributors with deployment of 1724 personnel.
Women’s rights have made significant progress over the past two decades and in 2011 the constitution was amended to confirm Morocco’s commitment to gender equality. This was followed by launch of a plan for 2012-2016 aimed at achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5 relating to empowerment of women and girls. It is recognised, however, that there is still a way to go on achieving gender equality in all aspects of the economy and justice sectors.
Civil society involvement in development of the NAP:
In her report to the Security Council, Minister Hayer confirmed civil society, including representatives of women’s organisations, were involved in the development of the NAP. It is not known whether civil society will be involved in implementation or monitoring of the NAP.
UN peacekeeping statistics:
At September 2023, Morocco was contributing 1718 personnel to UN peacekeeping missions, which included 52 women. Most of Morocco’s personnel were deployed with MONUSCO (UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo) and MINUSCA (UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Central African Republic).
Women in peacekeeping:
The above table shows there is scope for increasing the number of female personnel in peacekeeping missions. Reportedly, the NAP recognises the important role women can play in peacekeeping forces, and includes an intention to increase the number of women employed in Morocco’s armed forces.
References and sources:
Chekrouni, N. and El Mquirmi, N., (March 2023), Morocco and the Women Peace and Security Agenda: Goals, Opportunities and Challenges (Policy Center for the New South), available at: Morocco and the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda: Goals, Opportunities and Challenges (policycenter.ma)
UN Security Council Meeting, 9 March 2023, New York: UN: Morocco's National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security Highlighted before Security Council | Maroc.ma
United Nations Peacekeeping (Sept 2023) https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/troop-and-police-contributors
Contribution of Uniformed Personnel to UN by Country, Mission, and Personnel Type (Sept 2023): 05-Missions Detailed By Country
Uniformed Personnel Contributing Countries by Ranking Experts on Mission, Formed Police Units, Individual Police, Staff Officer, and Troops As of: 30/04/2023: 02-Contributions by Country (Ranking)
