"The organization will either have to present material evidence or withdraw its unfounded accusations if it sticks to its noble mission of defending human rights and to the principles of credibility, neutrality and objectivity," Ramid pointed out at a meeting of the Committee of Justice, Legislation and Human Rights at the House of Representatives (lower house).

Ramid stressed in this regard that if AI persists in its unfounded allegations regarding the situation of human rights in Morocco, this will not serve the cause of human rights in any way, but rather damage the reputation of the organization.

The Kingdom remains open to dialogue and positive interaction with all international NGOs operating freely on the national territory, including AI which has a branch in Morocco, he added.

"Our country is committed to positive cooperation with all organizations as long as they respect the laws of the Kingdom and the international standards framing their action, mainly objectivity and neutrality", he said, noting that Morocco welcomes contributions based on constructive criticism in the sense of consolidating the achievements made in human rights.

Recalling that AI set up a branch in Morocco in 1997, where it has always operated freely, Ramid pointed out that the Moroccan authorities have observed a change in the attitude of the organization for several years towards the Kingdom by promoting a rather negative approach to the human rights situation in the country.

Since 2015, he said, AI has published a hundred press releases and reports which, practically, ignore the structural reforms undertaken by Morocco in this area as well as the fundamental principles of neutrality and objectivity.

Commenting in this regard the report published on June 22, the Minister affirmed that it contains unfounded and baseless allegations regarding Morocco's use of computer surveillance technology through a system used in the fight against cross-border crime.

The minister also denied allegations that the report was sent to the government before it was released and that officials in the ministry of state were informed.

He also indicated that he asked for explanations from the concerned officials, who assured that they had received no e-mail on this matter, in addition to an administrative report containing technical data confirming that these officials had received no letter from AI before the publication of the report.

The organization's approach to the situation in Morocco over the past few years is marked by general estimates and conclusions based on isolated, unverifiable cases or unknown sources, he noted, adding that this raises questions about the objectivity of the analysis and evidence presented, as well as compliance with internationally recognized standards and benchmarks in the field of investigation and inquiry.

The Minister of State also challenged the approach to preparing annual reports based on data and information from a single source, while focusing on the situation of human rights in the Southern provinces by relying on information gathered from enemies of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the publication of politically driven recommendations.

However, he noted, the organization turns a blind eye to human rights abuses in the Tindouf camps, which have been confirmed by international mechanisms and other international organizations.

"There are real differences with the organization, but we are never going to close doors to international organizations, hinder their work or close their offices. The positions of the Kingdom of Morocco are constant and clear and will remain as so,” Ramid underlined.

Moreover, the minister affirmed that the draft penal code contains several provisions relating to the recommendations of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission. If adopted by the two houses of the parliament, several of these recommendations will be effectively implemented, he concluded.