Morocco’s National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) stated on Tuesday that it strongly supports the royal pardon granted to 4,831 individuals involved in offenses related to cannabis cultivation.
In a statement on its official social media channels, the council described the pardon as a “pivotal” move toward “justice” and toward promoting sustainable development.
The pardon, issued on Monday in commemoration of the 71st anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, covers a number of individuals who had been convicted, prosecuted, or wanted in connection with cannabis cultivation.
“The pardon is at the core of strategic choices aimed at enhancing sustainable development pathways,” the CNDH stated.
The organization further asserted that the decision “supports spatial justice by valuing territorial potentials and resources.” It also carries out Morocco’s international commitments made during the October 2023 International Forum on Protecting Human Rights
The pardon also reflects Morocco’s ongoing efforts to implement a human rights-based approach to drug policy, in line with guidelines set forth by the United Nations, according to the CNDH.
A recent report from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights drawing on contributions from 100 states and stakeholders underscored the importance of policies that address drug-related issues with a focus on human rights and sustainable development.
The CNDH noted that the King’s exercise of the pardon “encourages the integration of small-scale cannabis farmers into institutional structures and mechanisms for the medical and industrial use of cannabis.”
The royal pardon was widely welcomed by the Moroccan public. Following the announcement, Moroccan citizens posted their support for the move on social media.
“The royal pardon issued by His Majesty King Mohammed VI for those convicted in cases related to the cultivation and trade of cannabis clearly reflects the humanitarian and social direction of Moroccan policy,” one social media user commented.
⛔️ العفو الملكي الذي أصدره جلالة الملك محمد السادس على مدانين في قضايا تتعلق بزراعة وتجارة القنب الهندي يعكس بوضوح التوجه الإنساني والاجتماعي في السياسة المغربية.
هذا القرار ليس مجرد إعفاء من العقوبة، بل هو دعوة مفتوحة لهؤلاء الأفراد للاندماج في التحول الكبير الذي يشهده المغرب…
— ⛔️ محمد واموسي (@ouamoussi) August 20, 2024
“This decision is not merely an exemption from punishment, but an open invitation for these individuals to integrate into the significant transformation taking place in Morocco,” the post continued.
Another user on X remarked, “The pardon for cannabis farmers is a key step toward comprehensive reconciliation with the cannabis-growing regions that have suffered for decades from a lack of development opportunities.”
العفو عن مزارعي القنب الهندي مدخل رئيسي نحو مصالحة شاملة مع مناطق زراعة القنب الهندي التي عانت لعقود من غياب فرص التنمية ✍️
— مدريدي 👑⚽ ودادي ❤️جبلي (@samirseghyar1) August 19, 2024