Morocco to Launch Central Unit to Combat Violence Against Women

Agadir – Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, Naima Benyahia announced on Monday launching a new central support to combat violence against women and improve access to justice. 

“On combating violence against women next week, the central unit, previously never activated, will be officially launched,” Benyahia said during a session at the House of Representatives. 

Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH) described violence against women as the most widespread human right violation in the world.  

CNDH further explained that some forms of this violence escalate into violation of the right of life, with an estimated  140 women and girls killed everyday, nearly one life lost every 10 minutes. 

Benyahia reaffirmed the importance of forming a national body to strengthen the legal and institutional framework aimed at protecting women and combating gender-based violence.

She noted that this mission is being addressed in line with existing legislation, including Law No. 103.13 on combating violence against women, which remains a key pillar of Morocco’s national policy in this area.

Benyahia also shared appointing a new president of the National Commission for Combating Violence Against Women last week. This commission is responsible for overseeing the implementation of Law No. 103.13.

Morocco advocating for women’s right in international platforms

The minister pointed to Morocco’s active participation in the 70 session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which took place at UN headquarters in New York from March 9 to 19. 

The session focused on strengthening women’s and girls’ access to justice through fair legal systems, the repeal of discriminatory laws and practices, and efforts to dismantle structural barriers.

Benyahia stressed that Morocco’s engagement in this international forum contributed to reinforcing the country’s position in reforms related to women’s rights and as a regional model in the protection of women victims of violence. 

“One of the most important outcomes and impacts of this participation is highlighting the Moroccan experience as a reference in the region, given its constitutional framework with a strong human rights foundation and a highly engaged civil society in this field,” she said. 

Benyahia added that this participation also contributed to “expanding partnerships with UN institutions such as the United Nations Population Fund and UN Women.”

Although progress has been made and government efforts have been commended for advancing women’s rights in Morocco, significant gaps remain between legal reforms and lived realities. 

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