HANAN HARITE

Morocco- Morocco is one of the countries, where there is an increase in femicide and violence against women. The killing of two women in the country last week sparked discussion in the country about Morocco’s Law 103.13 on combating violence against women, which entered into force in September 2018.

On December 14, a young woman was found dead in an apartment located in the Hay Essalam neighborhood of El Jadida, a major port city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. On December 15, the dead body of a young woman was found along a roadway in the city. The country was shaken with another crime on November 31. A 49-year-old man killed her mother and wife in the Aïn Sebaâ suburb of Casablanca. On September 23, a 28-year-old man killed his seven-month pregnant wife in the town of Azrou. Last May, a woman was found dead in a refrigerator in Casablanca by security forces.

‘Femicide is the most severe manifestation of gender-based violence’

Femicide is the most severe manifestation of gender-based violence, said Khadija Tikroen, a member of the Federal League for Women's Rights (Fédération des Ligues des Droits des Femmes, FLDDF). “Femicide is a human rights violation and a crime against humanity. The recent increase in femicide is alarmingly high in Morocco. Immediate solutions should be found to combat all forms of gender-based discrimination, violence and killings.”

‘It is time to stop these crimes’

Speaking about Morocco’s Law 103.13 on combating violence against women, which entered into force in September 2018, Khadija Tikroen said, “This law must be amended. Women need a comprehensive law protecting women against all forms of gender-based violence. It is time to stop these crimes. The rights violations against women are not acceptable anymore. Urgent action must be taken to stop gender-based violence and femicide.”

‘We demand a comprehensive law’

In her speech, Aisha Lakhmas, a lawyer and president of the Federation of Women's Action in Morocco, stressed the necessity of amendment of Morocco’s law on combating violence against women. “The current anti-violence law is a simple amendment of the criminal law. For this reason, it fails in protecting women from violence. That’s why we demand a comprehensive law protecting women from violence. Combating violence against women and girls and promoting equality require a budget. Without a budget, without awareness-raising activities, no policies can be developed to eliminate violence against women.”