This review is part of Morocco's obligations under the Convention against Torture and takes place every four years. There are ample opportunities for NGOs and other civil society organizations to provide information to the Committee on the application of the Convention in Morocco.

The Convention against Torture is an international treaty which aims to combat torture throughout the world. States which adhere to this Convention have the obligation to take a number of steps to eradicate torture in their country. All countries which are party to the Convention undergo a review before the Committee every four years, to make sure that the obligations they have has undertaken are being put into practice.

In view of the review, countries prepare a national report on how implementation of the Convention is going on the ground. Once this is handed in to the CAT Secretariat, the Committee prepares a List of Issues on particular questions that they would like more information about. Before this document is prepared, NGOs can submit information and suggest questions to be raised. Alkarama's submission to the CAT list of issues is available here.

Shortly before the session, NGOs can prepare an alternative report to the state report which summarizes the state of implementation in the country from a civil society perspective. At present, Alkarama is preparing its report for Morocco in cooperation with Moroccan NGOs. It will be presented to the Committee two weeks before the review and will be available from Alkarama's website as well as the website of the Committee when finalized.

During the review itself, which will take place most likely in the first weeks of November (see here for the timetable when it becomes available: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cat/cats47.htm), the Committee will undertake a dialogue with representatives of the Moroccan authorities on the information contained in their report and the questions in the List of Issues.

In preparation for the dialogue, NGOs which submitted information to the Committee will have the opportunity of speaking to the Rapporteur of the Committee responsible for Morocco in a closed meeting. Alkarama will be inviting human rights defenders from Morocco to present information to the Committee, and they will be speaking in this meeting. This closed meeting takes place the day before the review.

During the review itself, the dialogue takes place between the Committee members and the members of the Moroccan delegation. NGOs may not intervene, so it is very important to ensure that the opportunity to speak to the Committee in the closed meeting is taken. However, the meeting is public and may be attended by those interested upon request. Alkarama will film the review to share what has been discussed during the review with Moroccan civil society.