30 June 2026 :
Morocco has announced that it will host the 10th International Conference on the Abolition of the Death Penalty, following an announcement made by Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi during the ninth edition of the conference held in Paris on June 30, 2026.
The event brought together heads of state, ministers, representatives of international organizations, legal experts and human rights advocates to discuss the future of capital punishment around the world.
Speaking at the conference, Ouahbi said the debate on the death penalty in Morocco is taking place through a broad national dialogue that involves constitutional institutions, political parties, judges, academics and civil society.
He said the process reflects Morocco’s approach of promoting dialogue, building consensus, and introducing reforms gradually.
The minister also said the discussion forms part of the wider reforms carried out under the leadership of King Mohammed VI to strengthen the rule of law, protect fundamental rights and freedoms, and modernize the country’s judicial system.
Ouahbi noted that Morocco has not carried out an execution for more than 30 years.
He said this is not simply a matter of practice, but the result of a long process of judicial reform that has strengthened legal safeguards, updated legislation and expanded cooperation with international human rights mechanisms.
He also highlighted Morocco’s vote in 2024 in favor of the United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for a universal moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
According to the minister, the vote marked an important step in the country’s commitment to responsible international dialogue on the issue.
At the end of his address, Ouahbi officially announced Morocco’s bid to host the 10th International Conference on the Abolition of the Death Penalty on behalf of the country.
He said the initiative reflects Morocco’s determination to continue contributing to international discussions on human rights while strengthening its role as a bridge between Africa, Europe and the Arab world.
