Violence Against Women in Morocco: a Focus on National Laws and Commitment to International Law

Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. Gender-based violence undermines the health, dignity, security, financial, political, and economic inclusion and autonomy of its victims, yet it remains shrouded in a culture of silence. International and national treaties play a crucial role in safeguarding women’s rights locally and globally.

International treaties mirror governments’ commitments regarding their populations and the international community. Given that it is a basic principle of international law that a state party to an international treaty should ensure that its domestic law and practice are consistent with what is required by the treaty. These rights and guarantees are only truly available to individuals when incorporated into national law and policies.

The relationships between society and law are dynamic and complex as laws are both the reflection of the society that creates them and the society over which they rule. Moroccan laws do not provide full protection to women against gender-based violence. Therefore, this fact-sheet on violence against women in Morocco will cover the issue of gender-based violence from a national law perspective and Morocco’s adoption of international law.

Learn more about our report on violence against women in Morocco: download our report.

Politics4Her Africa members have participated in writing and collecting this paper:

Farah Kanbi, Beatriz Marques, Rym Ben Salah, Yosser Tarchi, Salma Louaddi, Salma Larabi, Saadatu Alhassan, Edith Wachira, Yara Hamed, Atika Najar, Safia Ougrich, Farah Taher, Pire Mbirza Gabasa and Tlhokomelo Rethabile Monethi.