Morocco to host Africa’s first regional office of The Hague Conference on Private International Law
The Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) has unanimously approved Morocco’s proposal to host the first regional office for Africa, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s leadership in legal and judicial cooperation on the international stage.
To ensure the success of this initiative, Morocco’s Ministry of Justice coordinated closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Moroccan Embassy in the Netherlands. Efforts focused on finalizing the draft headquarters agreement, accelerating the ratification of key Hague Conventions, and securing broad support from HCCH member states, the Justice Ministry said in a press release.
During the approval session, Morocco’s delegation presented a detailed proposal underscoring the strategic importance of the office in strengthening judicial cooperation across Africa. The initiative garnered overwhelming support, with 33 States backing the project, aimed at expanding African participation in private international law mechanisms.
The new office will serve as a key platform for enhancing legal and judicial cooperation across the continent. It will facilitate the implementation of HCCH conventions, bolster cross-border legal security, and contribute to the harmonization of judicial systems, the press release added.
Morocco’s selection further cements its position as a leader in international law. The Kingdom remains the only African and Arab nation to have ratified seven major HCCH conventions.
The initiative also aligns with Morocco’s active role within regional and international organizations, particularly within the League of Arab States, where it contributes to the modernization of judicial frameworks.
By hosting this office, Morocco reaffirms its commitment to advancing legal and judicial cooperation at regional and global levels, supporting Africa’s aspirations for a more harmonized and efficient judicial system.
Commenting on the decision to open HCCH Africa’s Regional Office in Morocco, Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi told the media this is a recognition of the Kingdom’s role in the field of human rights, at both continental and international levels.
This achievement caps Morocco’s permanent and active mobilization since it joined the Hague Conference on Private International Law, and highlights its presence in related debates, Ouahbi said.
Hosting Africa’s regional office by Morocco is also a recognition to its efforts to foster family cohesion in line with the principles it promotes, he added, pointing out that Morocco will thus be responsible for coordination with African and Arab countries.