Scientific knowledge is an essential pillar in the decisive fight against violent extremism, stressed the panelists at the opening session of the conference held under the theme "Scientific knowledge to counter violent extremism", adding that a thorough understanding of the complexities and mechanisms involved in extremism and recruitment into terrorist groups contributes to developing a comprehensive and preventive response to this global threat.
In this respect, the Minister of Justice, Abdelatif Ouahbi, said that the path of scientific knowledge is part of the measures taken at national and international level in the field of the fight against terrorism and the prevention of extremism, noting that strengthening dialogue between civilizations, cultures and peoples depends on the adoption of instruction and awareness plans and programs.
"The Kingdom has embarked on a national penal policy to counter terrorism and prevent extremism, through a number of measures, including the consolidation of its legislative system with preventive provisions ensuring its immunization against tendencies towards extremism and violence;" said Ouahbi, also referring to the establishment of administrative, judicial, security and financial bodies guaranteeing the effectiveness and efficiency required to deal with terrorism and extremism.
Ouahbi also highlighted the implementation in Morocco of rehabilitation programs for prisoners in this category, the most important of which is "Moussalaha", which has enabled its beneficiaries to gain a good understanding of the religious text and the authentic values of society.
He also referred to the National Crime Observatory, set up by the Ministry of Justice with the aim of gaining an insight into all the factors influencing criminal behavior.
For her part, Amina Bouayach, President of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), noted that the universality of human rights takes into account the common denominators between all human beings, despite cultural, behavioral, religious and political differences.
She deplored the upsurge in cross-border intolerance, due to major changes in today's world resulting from wars and conflicts, and the role of social media in disseminating values hostile to human rights.
For his part, Lahkim Bendaoud, Head of the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Bureau at the National Judicial Police Brigade, said that Morocco's unconditional commitment to counter-terrorism efforts had made the Kingdom a key player and a reliable partner in this field.
Morocco's policy on preventing and combating terrorism is based on a comprehensive, integrated national strategy that takes into account the factors leading to extremism and acts of violence, and is based on a preventive dimension that constitutes the main axis of this strategy, which has enabled the Moroccan security apparatus to thwart terrorist plans.
Weixiong Chen, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), stressed that Morocco is a strong partner of CTED in the fight against terrorism and extremism, highlighting the significant progress made by the Kingdom in this field.
He referred to some of Morocco's best practices in the field, underlining the Kingdom's firm commitment to the fight against extremism.