UN Special Rapporteur on Torture to Visit Morocco in June 2026
Alicia Gill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, is set to embark on an official visit to Morocco from June 8 to 19, 2026. This visit comes after the Moroccan authorities postponed a previously scheduled mission in March, underlining the importance of ongoing dialogue between the nation and international human rights mechanisms.
Focus on Legal and Institutional Frameworks
Edwards will begin her program in Rabat, engaging with government officials, representatives from the judiciary, security sectors, and prison management. The discussions aim to assess the legal and institutional measures in place to protect individuals deprived of their liberty. A critical aspect of these talks will revolve around the laws criminalizing torture, mechanisms for lodging complaints, and procedures for conducting investigations.
The agenda will also cover the legal guarantees afforded during detention, including the rights to legal counsel, medical examinations, and awareness of legal rights. The visit will further extend to Laayoune, where Edwards will meet local officials, UN representatives, and civil society organizations, as well as individuals and families affected by torture-related issues. This outreach seeks to capture a holistic view of differing perspectives related to torture and ill-treatment.
Conditions in Detention Facilities
The mission will consist of site visits to prisons and detention centers, aimed at evaluating conditions such as healthcare and humane treatment of inmates. Special attention will be paid to overcrowding issues, alternatives to incarceration, and mental health services available to detainees.
Moreover, Edwards intends to scrutinize the legal framework guiding law enforcement operations, particularly concerning the use of coercive measures during public order maintenance and responses to peaceful protests.
Conclusion and Future Reports
The expert’s visit will culminate in the presentation of preliminary observations to Moroccan authorities, followed by a press conference. A comprehensive report will be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in 2027, outlining her findings and recommendations.
This visit marks a significant step in Morocco’s ongoing collaboration with UN human rights mechanisms. Earlier this year, Moroccan diplomat Habib Belkouch met with Edwards in Geneva to explore further avenues for cooperation in preventing torture and preparing for this forthcoming official mission. Alicia Gill Edwards has been the first woman to hold the position of UN Special Rapporteur on Torture since her appointment by the Human Rights Council in July 2022, bringing extensive experience in criminal justice, human rights, refugee protection, and anti-torture initiatives on an international level.
