The Ministry Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform has launched a new project to review the provisions of Law No. 31.13 concerning the right to access information, under the supervision of a joint committee that includes several ministerial sectors and constitutional bodies in Morocco.
Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, in response to a parliamentary question regarding the “comprehensive review” of the laws related to citizens’ right to access information, stated that the project falls within a participatory approach involving various stakeholders. The goal is to improve the exercise of this right and implement the recommendations stemming from the Special Commission on the Development Model, alongside the recommendations from the Information Access Committee issued on March 12, 2023.
The minister explained that launching this project aligns with ongoing efforts to further develop the practice of the right to access information and enhance transparency. She noted that the relevant institutions and bodies are committed to proactively publishing as much information as possible using various dissemination methods, particularly digital channels such as the National Open Data Portal.
The government official emphasized that the current law allows citizens to submit direct requests for information from institutions or relevant bodies if they cannot access it through proactive publication. She underscored that the Information Access Committee is responsible for ensuring proper exercise of this right, handling complaints, providing consultations, and preparing an annual report on the status of this right’s implementation.
Seghrouchni revealed that the ministry has established a roadmap for the period 2018-2020 to activate the law’s provisions, which includes a range of measures related to governance, training, and awareness, in addition to developing the electronic portal for information access [www.chafafiya.ma], launched in March 2020 to facilitate submitting and tracking requests.
She indicated that most ministerial sectors currently have electronic portals that enable proactive publication of information, and the General Directorate of Local Authorities is accompanying local communities in this area.
The minister stressed that the right to access information is one of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Moroccan Constitution in Article 27, and it is framed by Law No. 31.13, in line with Morocco’s international commitments, particularly regarding Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as Article 10 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
This right allows all citizens and foreign residents in Morocco to access information available from public administrations and elected institutions that provide public services, aiming to empower them to monitor public policies and enhance transparency and openness.
