The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Morocco are deepening their collaborative efforts on critical issues surrounding human rights, public health, and gender parity. This partnership prioritizes direct field interventions and the robust support of national public policies.
During a meeting in Geneva held on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council, Alfonso Barragues, Deputy Director of the UNFPA liaison office, met with El Habib Belkouch, the Interministerial Delegate for Human Rights. The discussions highlighted the progress and future goals of this bilateral cooperation.
Key priorities: Maternal health and gender equality
A primary focus of this joint initiative is the enhancement of maternal health services to significantly lower mortality rates associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Furthermore, the UNFPA is committed to intensifying the struggle against violence targeting women and girls, while also addressing harmful practices like early marriage that infringe upon their fundamental rights.
The program also emphasizes broader access to sexual and reproductive health services. According to Alfonso Barragues, the objective is to ensure equitable coverage throughout Morocco. This involves bringing essential healthcare closer to the people by strengthening the network of local clinics. “The availability of health services for women and girls, including reproductive health, must be guaranteed nationwide, extending from major hospitals to primary healthcare centers,” he noted.
Supporting national policies and local action
Beyond specific health sectors, the UNFPA provides technical assistance to Moroccan institutions for the development and execution of public policies. This support reaches various government departments, including the Ministries of Education, Health, and Social Protection. The organization adopts a cross-cutting approach to help these ministries formulate and implement effective strategies.
The success of this cooperation hinges on the belief that public policies must have a tangible impact at the local level. Consequently, the UNFPA remains actively engaged with youth and women’s organizations, working in close coordination with Moroccan authorities. The strategic partnership with the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights (DIDH) focuses on monitoring and applying international recommendations, ensuring that global commitments translate into concrete results on the ground.
