KINGDOM OF MOROCCO
Delegate: Ana Carolina Dall’Agnol
University: Centro Universitário Curitiba (UNICURITIBA), Curitiba – PR
Committe: Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commission for
Refugees
Rabat, October 2007
The Kingdom of Morocco is very pleased to join this present committee in order to
discuss the possible solutions for the main issues concerning the refugees situation located
in the Horn of Africa and in the Indian Ocean region.
Topic A: The Situation of Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in the Horn
of Africa
Horn of Africa is one of the African regions where the UN and NGO’s help is most
needed. The combination of the last 30 years wars, drought and exile is putting hundreds of
thousands at risk. Civil wars and border disputes between countries are among the
fundamental push factors that drive people away from their homelands. The general state of
war has also damaged social and economic implications, which act as added incentives for
people to flee their countries of origin. Contrary to the western world, Africans have
different ancestral homelands of living and migration than the actual bordered countries
they live presently.
Although not a member of the African Union, Morocco remains involved in African
diplomacy and it contributes consistently to UN peacekeeping efforts on the continent.
Refugees have been hosted in Moroccan territories, most of all coming from sub-Saharan
countries in a reaction to political turmoil and civil war, like Democratic Republic of Congo,
the Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Côte d'Ivoire. The United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Morocco has recognized about 2,100 people in
Morocco today as refugees, some legally and other illegally.
Morocco wishes to deliver aid to the countless refugees and displaced, specially women
and children, which are the majority. Without a family or community support system and a
legal status in any country, they are a fair game for the officials, police, border patrols and
soldiers. It is hoped that the progress made in human rights and a renewed commitment to
international humanitarian law should guarantee stability to the Horn of Africa.
On behalf of His Majesty, King Mohammed VI,
Ana Carolina Dall’Agnol
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco
KINGDOM OF MOROCCO
Delegate: Ana Carolina Dall’Agnol
University: Centro Universitário Curitiba (UNICURITIBA), Curitiba – PR
Committe: Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commission for
Refugees
Topic B: Cooperating with UN Missions to Face Large Scale Environmental
Catastrophes: the Case of 2004 Tsunami Emergency in the Indian Ocean
The 2004 Indian Ocean’s tsunami has made all world aware of the severe damage a
natural disaster can cause. As every country is vulnerable to natural catastrophes, and the
circumstance is beyond our control, the world community was chocked.
More than never, humanitarian relief and financial aid were and are still needed, but
reconstruction takes time. The process needs planning and careful research to make the
donation reach the devastated areas and population effectively. UNHCR, NGO’s and the local
authorities are already working together to provide medical care, food and accommodation
to safeguard the victims and guarantee their reintegration.
A 6.5 earthquake has shook northern Morocco in 1994 and it has claimed more than
600 deaths. It was naturally a much smaller dimension catastrophe than the 2004 Tsunami,
but it has left thousands of people homeless as well and, fortunately, relief efforts have
been provided specially by the United States and France. The experience has given
Moroccan people and government the strong and moving sense of being part of the world
community.
Morocco is not a widely wealthy nation, but it is a requirement of our Islam faith to be
responsible for the well being of the other, specially the needy ones. Thus, the affected
countries can count on the assistance of Morocco to deliver aid to the victims of the
disaster.
Although three years have already passed, Morocco still wishes to express condolences
to those who have been affected by the Indian Ocean’s Tsunami. It is hoped that all the
countries here present continue to exercise humanitarian solidarity and send necessary
relief to affected regions. The lesson learned from the tsunami tragedy should never be
forgotten. The importance of redoubling our efforts should be emphasized in order to
minimize effects of devastation that could possibly take place in the future.
On behalf of His Majesty, King Mohammed VI,
Ana Carolina Dall’Agnol
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco