Morocco Reinforces Global Role Against Human Trafficking

Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco continues to consolidate its position as a global pioneer in the protection of human rights and the fight against transnational organized crime. This commitment is reaffirmed through the adoption of the new Code of Criminal Procedure, published in the Official Gazette on September 8, 2025, fully aligned with the Kingdom’s adherence to relevant international conventions and standards.

The National Committee for Coordinating Measures to Combat and Prevent Human Trafficking (CNCLT) emphasized that the new code represents a precise harmonization of national legislation with key international instruments, most notably the Palermo Protocol supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000), the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (2005), and the United Nations Guiding Principles that underscore the non-criminalization of victims.

The new code redefines the scope and nature of serious crimes (Article 108), placing human trafficking among the top priorities of Morocco’s criminal justice system. It also grants broader powers to the judicial police, public prosecutors, and investigating judges, while strengthening the mandate of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) to confront complex and transnational criminal networks.

Furthermore, the code establishes strategic complementarity with Law No. 27-14 of 2016 by setting up a comprehensive system for the protection of victims, witnesses, experts, and whistleblowers. It also introduces modern methods for field and financial investigations, allowing authorities to dismantle the economic structures and funding sources of criminal organizations.

According to the National Committee, these qualitative reforms reflect the legislative and judicial maturity of the Kingdom and embody the firm royal will to safeguard human dignity and combat all forms of exploitation. They reaffirm that Morocco is not merely compliant with its international obligations but a key player in strengthening global criminal justice and defending fundamental human rights.

Within this advanced reform framework, Morocco continues to consolidate its image as a state governed by institutions — one that skillfully balances national security imperatives with the values of human rights — making the Moroccan model a benchmark at both regional and international levels. El Arabi Bouhafa - European News Ageny