In his speech, Mr El Yazami stated that the Justice Ministry is a major player in resolving the problems of the Moroccan community abroad, along with other bodies. He underlined the legal obstacles arising from the changes experienced by Moroccan immigration, of which the most important is the issue of unaccompanied minors, which has been extensively debated in a number of European Union countries, as well as other problems relating to the Family Code, the most important of which is the question of kafala.

The Chairman of the CCME pointed out the database that includes the cases the Council receives, considering that they provide a way for the community not only to express itself to a certain number of institutions, but also to raise a series of problems that require institutions to communicate with each other, particularly those relating to monitoring the progress of cases received. He said that the CCME has begun working on a method for monitoring the process of complaints received.

Mr El Yazami also raised the issue of the mechanisms used to provide guidance through information, which sometimes come from different institutions, requiring greater communication in the interests of joint work between the different bodies involved.

Ms Zahira Fountir pointed out that a lack of knowledge of the legal instruments deprived many Moroccans around the world access to some of their rights, in addition to the delays in the process of notifying judgements. She also raised the problems hindering the application of judicial cooperation agreements. Adding and the difficulties encountered by Moroccans living abroad in obtaining legal aid, especially in certain Arab countries. She stressed the necessity of continuing to work on the digitalisation of justice-related services and the improvement of digital services for the community in the language of the country in which they live, as well reinforcing coordinated action and enhanced cooperation between those involved in the legal system and institutions dealing with the issues of the Moroccan community abroad.

The event was also attended by the Kingdom's Ombudsman, Mr Said Rachik, head of research and media relation. He stressed that the Kingdom's Ombudsman was giving particular attention to complaints by members of the Moroccan community abroad. In the course of 2022, the institution recorded a total of 388 complaints from the Moroccan community abroad, which represents around 6% of all complaints recorded in the organisation's annual report. These complaints concern primarily access to justice, protection against arbitrary administration, access to information, protection of private property and social security.

Speaking on the issue, Mr. Mbarek Boutelha outlined the Ministry's efforts to protect their interests, especially when it comes to the issue of illegal expulsions of both immigrants and unaccompanied minors, since the Ministry of Justice is the central authority designated by the Hague Convention to handle all relevant procedures.

CCME