Morocco’s Election to UN Human Rights Council Presidency Sparks Polisario Protest

The accession of Omar Zniber, Morocco’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, to the presidency of the Human Rights Council does not please the Polisario. In a post on X, Abi Bouchraya El Bachir, its representative in Switzerland, denounces a political victory against the candidate of South Africa. "The vote was political and geopolitical, not based on human rights," he writes. He also accuses the Human Rights Council of having succumbed to the pressure of influential Western capitals to prevent South Africa from accessing the presidency of the Council, for fear that Geneva will turn into a new The Hague to judge Israel throughout 2024, we are told.

On Wednesday, Omar Zniber, Morocco’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, was elected president of the Human Rights Council, responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of these rights in the world, after a secret ballot. The Moroccan diplomat obtained 30 votes out of the 47 members of the Council against 17 for the other contender for this post, the South African ambassador, Mxolisi Sizo Nkosi. In a statement from the Council, the new head says he wants to work to "respond to the requirements of our common and so important and fundamental work: that of the promotion, respect and guarantee of human rights as universally recognized."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad welcomed "the election of the Kingdom, thanks to the adherence of a large number of countries from all regions of the world, and despite the mobilization of Algeria and South Africa to counter it." And to add: Morocco "sees a strong signal sent by the international community in favor of its constructive approach, and its unifying leadership on key issues such as interreligious dialogue, tolerance and the fight against racial hatred, the right to a healthy and sustainable environment, the rights of migrants and the impact of new technologies."

On Thursday, France congratulated the Permanent Representative of Morocco on his accession to the presidency of the Human Rights Council. "This election testifies to the confidence of the members of the Council in the personal ability of Mr. Zniber to lead these works," estimates French diplomacy, assuring that Paris "will continue to work closely with all the members of the Council of which Morocco is a part to defend the universality of human rights and promote more just, free and solidary societies." France is a member of this Council for the period 2024-2026.