ADFM calls on Jettou for Nationality Code reform

30/05/2006

The Moroccan Women's Democratic Association is concerned about the slow pace of reform of the Nationality Code.

By Hassan Benmahdi for Magharebia in Casablanca– 30/05/06

[File] Prime Minister Driss Jettou

King Mohammed VI originally proposed reforming the Nationality Code in a 30 July 2005 speech. The monarch's interest in the initiative makes it surprising that reform is taking so long.

The Moroccan Women's Democratic Association (ADFM) highlighted the fact in an open letter to Prime Minister Driss Jettou. The ADFM also mentioned factors giving rise to rumours and fears regarding reform..

"It is a matter of urgency and high time that parliament pass a clear and unambiguous law on the right of Moroccan women to pass on their nationality to their children without restrictions," the association said.

"We shall insist that Mr. Driss Jettou keep us up to date on the progress of this law and also future deadlines for the various stages," The letter goes on to say.

According to Mina Tafnout, president of the ADFM's Rabat division, the association is right to be worried about the slow pace and lack of consultation and information on Nationality Code reform. She said that since King Mohmamed VI announced his desire for reform enabling Moroccan women to pass on their nationality to their children, the law still has not been debated by the Government Council or the Council of Ministers. She adds such developments threaten to disappoint many Moroccan women.

"The king's speech and the recent announcement of the lifting of the restrictions of Article 9 of Moroccan law on the right of women to pass on their nationality to their children have given hope to women married to foreigners and women's and human rights NGOs that the question will see a positive outcome,"Tafnout said.

Tafnout added that despite the many efforts it has made, the ADFM still has not received any information or details enabling it either to reassure women directly affected by the issue or to prepare for lobbying the legislative body on their behalf when the bill is put before it.

Parliament President Abdelwahed Radi announced during the opening of the spring session that the bill to reform the Nationality Code would be among the laws to be considered and enacted during the course of this session, Tafnout added. To ensure the reform issue is discussed, the ADFM has now deemed it necessary to appeal to Jettou.