Human Rights: Morocco’s CNDH President granted 2025 Mediterranean Foundation Award

Chairwoman of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), Amina Bouayach, was granted the 2025 Mediterranean Foundation Award (Fondazione Mediterraneo) and was appointed “Ambassador of the US to the World Foundation”, in recognition of her significant contribution to the defense of human rights.

The award, presented to her on Friday in Naples, Italy, recognizes individuals or organizations dedicated to upholding the values of human dignity and freedom.

Established by Italian sculptor Mario Molinari, the Mediterranean Prize is a symbol of peace and coexistence between countries. It recognized Bouayach’s work in advancing equality, justice, and fundamental freedoms, the foundation said in a statement.

At the opening of the ceremony, the Foundation’s president, Michael Capasso, hailed Bouayach’s remarkable impact on human rights, as this award reflects her tireless dedication and dynamism in the field.

Capasso said that the award, a trophy crafted by renowned Italian sculptor Mario Molinari, symbolizes dialogue and cooperation between peoples. “It comes as no surprise that Bouayach has unanimous support, especially within civil societies, where she enjoys continually renewed credibility.”

For her part, Morocco’s Ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Rajae Naji Mekkaoui, praised the commitment of “a tireless activist involved in the defense of human rights.”

She highlighted that this “well-deserved” award reflects the Kingdom’s constant commitment to promoting human rights, and improving the status of Moroccan women.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Bouayach said this award is a “great pride” and “immense honor” for her both as a woman and as an activist, and serves as a tribute to Morocco for its dedication to the universal values of dignity, justice, and equality, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

She highlighted that the Kingdom has positioned itself as a determined player, acting as a bridge between continents, cultures, and religions, while promoting an open and tolerant vision based on plurality and inclusion.

The past year was marked by a historic step with the vote for the universal moratorium on the death penalty, a decision aimed at strengthening fundamental freedoms and promoting a more inclusive and equitable Moroccan society, she said.

Mrs Bouayach also praised the proposed amendments to the Family Code, presented last December after a thorough consultative process, as “ambitious” and “promising.”

She noted that the Mediterranean Prize 2025 celebrates the journey of all women and individuals who, often under challenging conditions, work with courage and selflessness for dignity and justice.

Bouayach, born in the northern city of Tetouan, has been a tireless advocate for women’s and children’s rights, often speaking out against the injustices they face. She has also worked to improve the rights of marginalized groups around the world.

In recognition of her dedication and leadership, King Mohammed VI appointed her as president of CNDH in 2018.

She has also held significant positions in global human rights organizations, including Vice-President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and Vice-President of the International Federation for Human Rights.

In addition to her work in human rights, Bouayach has had a career in diplomacy, having served as Morocco’s Ambassador to Sweden and Latvia.