Speaking by videoconference at a high-level ministerial session part of the Conference to launch the Regional Index on Violence against Women and Girls (May 21-22) Hayar emphasized Morocco's "early" involvement in the field of gender equality, women's rights and fighting all forms of violence and discrimination.

The minister highlighted the foresight of HM King Mohammed VI who constantly emphasizes the requirement to strengthen the role of women and their integration in the process of sustainable development.

As a result, Morocco has strengthened its legal arsenal, updated its public policies on equality and gender mainstreaming, and created mechanisms to support women victims of violence, Hayar added.

"In application of the High Royal Directions, the Kingdom also launched the 2020 Marrakech Declaration to end violence against women under the presidency of HRH Princess Lalla Meryem," she recalled, adding that the initiative was praised and recognized by the United Nations and has instilled a new dynamic in the prevention, protection and care of women victims of violence.

Hayar also recalled the accession of Morocco last February to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women that will enter into force in July 2022, and to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

During this conference, held by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) in partnership with Jordan's Ministerial Committee for the Empowerment of Women, Morocco's experience in assisting women victims of violence was praised, together with the Kingdom's legislative achievements.

The conference brought together several women ministers as well as gender experts and representatives of relevant ministries, the European Union, the UfM, and the civil society.

The event was marked by the launch of the Regional Index on Violence against Women and Girls, as part of the regional program "Combating violence against women and girls in the southern Mediterranean" funded by the EU.