Morocco

The institutionalization of mediation in Morocco

Through this project SFCG-M aims to promote and institutionalize mediation as an alternative to the often expensive, slow and complicated judicial system. The foundations of mediation have already been laid down: Moroccan law 08.05, which resulted from a partnership between SFCG-M and the Ministry of Justice, offers a legal foundation for mediation, the 2004 family law reform set up the practice of conciliation and reconciliation as a first resort in divorce requests, and mediators are active throughout Morocco, including a large number who have been trained by SFCG-M.

The objective of this project is to facilitate access to mediation by the general public, be it social, commercial or family mediation. In cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, SFCG-M will create an online database of active mediators, in order to allow potential clients to find appropriate mediators and to leave references. Organizations and associations will be invited to collaborate more closely and to share their successes and challenges. Within this project, SFCG-M will also work with authorities to improve legislation in this area as well as its practical application, with the overall aim of reducing the strain on the justice system and promoting constructive conflict resolution.

Conflict Transformation in the Penitentiary System

Search for Common Ground is working in partnership with the Mohamed VI Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Detainees and the General Delegation of the Penitentiary Administration to reduce levels of conflict in prisons throughout Morocco, and encourage constructive approaches to conflict resolution. SFCG-M and its partners will train prison staff and detainees in the techniques and mechanisms of conflict management and resolution, including mediation and negotiation. The program also aims at improving the detainees’ ability to manage conflicts and disputes following their release, which should reduce levels of recidivism.

The Moroccan government has made efforts to improve the prison conditions in Morocco, but a recent report by the Moroccan Observatory of Prisons (OMP) stated that prisons remain overcrowded, prone to violence, and fail to meet international norms. Prison mates are vulnerable to poor sanitation and living conditions, and are prone to co-option into radical thinking. According to some reports, recidivism rates are as high as 50% to 64% depending on the prison and region. With the intent to reduce levels of violence in prisons and to counter radical militant recruitment by establishing a culture of conflict resolution within Morocco’s penitentiary system, Search for Common Ground Morocco (SFCG-M), in partnership with the la Fondation Mohamed VI pour la Réinsertion des Détenus (King Mohamed VI Foundation) and the General Direction of the Prisons Administration and Reinsertion (DGAPR), has just launched a project which will:

• provide conflict management training to prison staff throughout Morocco;

• conduct a Training of Trainers (ToT) for key prison staff;

• provide conflict transformation training for prisoners throughout Morocco; and

• conduct a training retreat for prison directors.

Immigration and intercultural relations experienced through a video lens

In partnership with the Swiss Embassy in Morocco, this project aims to break down cultural stereotypes and prejudice between young migrants and young Moroccans in Rabat and Casablanca, especially in the marginalized neighborhoods. Groups of youngsters will work together to a common goal using interactive and stimulating tools such as video and multimedia, and meanwhile document the process of their improved understanding and respect for each other. Next, these groups are going to show these short movies to the general public, in their local neighborhood or during a national festival, as well as on online social networks. This way, we can also hope to influence the general public’s perception and help decrease cultural conflicts and stereotypes.

Ombudsman Office (2011-2012)

The recently reformed Institution du Médiateur or Moroccan Ombudsman Office receives and treats complaints from citizens who feel they have been treated unjustly by the public administrations. But its scope and capacity to influence the lives of citizens in Morocco goes beyond that. In dealing with all interactions between Moroccans, foreigners and the government, the Ombudsman is mandated to guarantee human rights, to contribute to the rule of law, to encourage transparency in public services and to improve communication between the State and citizens. He can also make recommendations for structural changes to improve public services. Through this partnership, supported by the British Embassy in Rabat, more citizens, civil society as well as relevant members of the government will be better aware of the Ombudsman’s role and mandate and will be working together to guarantee its effectiveness.