Morocco’s ambassador and permanent representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, stressed, Wednesday, the Kingdom’s commitment to the universal values of peace, peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and dialogue between cultures and civilizations.
“The commitment of the Kingdom of Morocco to the universal values of peace, peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, dialogue between cultures and civilizations is not new. It is a legacy sponsored by all Moroccan monarchies,” said Hilale, who spoke at the opening session of the high-level international symposium celebrating the 5th anniversary of the adoption of the landmark Fez Action Plan on the role of religious leaders and actors to prevent incitement to violence that may lead to atrocity crimes.
Indeed, and in accordance with the high Royal instructions, Morocco has strengthened its cooperation with the United Nations and all agencies for the effective and efficient implementation of the “Fez Action Plan” through several actions and initiatives, the diplomat observed.
These include historic General Assembly resolution 73/328 on the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in the fight against hate speech, the organization of a high-level video conference on the role of religious leaders in addressing the multiple challenges of COVID-19 pandemic as well as the adoption, at the initiative of Morocco, by General Assembly, of the groundbreaking resolution 75/309, which proclaimed June 18 of each year as the International Day against Hate Speech.
Hilale recalled that Morocco recently organized, jointly with the Office for the Prevention of Genocide, a high-level event on the role of education in addressing the root causes of hate speech and advancing inclusion, non-discrimination and peace.
The “Fez Action Plan” is a pioneering document, a responsive roadmap for safeguarding pillars of peace and security, respecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people. It also aims to foster sustainable development for all, at the national, international and multilateral levels, the diplomat said. Morocco has continued to assert its historical heritage and its strategic choice, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as the cradle of a long tradition of tolerance, moderation, cohabitation and dialogue between different cultures and religions, he added.
This two-day international event is marked by the participation of senior UN officials, representatives of the UN system and other international organizations, Moroccan government officials, religious actors from the Rabita Mohammadia of Ulema, representatives of the civil society, experts and other stakeholders who have contributed to the development and implementation of the Fez Plan of Action.
