The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Morocco are deepening their collaboration on critical priorities, including human rights, healthcare, and gender equality, with a strong focus on on-the-ground interventions and public policy support.
Alfonso Barragues, Deputy Director of the UNFPA Liaison Office, emphasized this commitment during a recent meeting with El Habib Belkouch, Morocco’s Interministerial Delegate for Human Rights, held on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The partnership prioritizes key areas such as improving maternal health, reducing pregnancy-related mortality, and combating violence against women and girls. It also targets harmful practices like early marriage, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers that undermine gender equality.
The initiative places significant emphasis on expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services. Barragues stressed the need for equitable distribution across the country, ensuring these services reach women and girls in both urban and rural areas. “Women and girls must have unobstructed access to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive services, not only in hospitals but also through primary health centers,” he stated.
Beyond sector-specific goals, the UNFPA is actively assisting Moroccan institutions in designing and implementing public policies. This support extends to multiple ministries, including Education, Health, and Social Protection, fostering an integrated approach to gender equality and human rights.
Barragues highlighted the organization’s dedication to “assisting relevant ministries in formulating and executing public policies that align with international standards.”
A partnership built on local impact
The collaboration is rooted in the belief that effective public policies require grassroots implementation. The UNFPA is working closely with Moroccan authorities and women’s organizations to ensure these initiatives translate into tangible outcomes. The partnership with the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights reflects a commitment to turning global recommendations into actionable steps at the community level.
Barragues underscored the strategic nature of this alliance, stating, “Our partnership with the DIDH is a cornerstone of our efforts to advance human rights in Morocco.” This long-term collaboration underscores the shared vision of sustainable progress in gender equality and social justice.
