Morocco Joins Pan-African Labor Migration Law Initiative in Nairobi
Doha – Morocco is participating in a continental consultation on labor migration legislation in Africa, launched June 16-18 in Nairobi, Kenya. The three-day event was initiated by the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislative arm of the African Union (AU).
Hanaa Benkhair, a Moroccan parliamentary advisor and PAP member, is representing the North African country at the meeting, which is organized in partnership with the AU Commission and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
In a statement to MAP, Benkhair stressed that Morocco's participation demonstrates the country's commitment to strategic continental initiatives. She noted this engagement reflects Morocco's determination to contribute to building a unified, secure, and prosperous Africa.
'It also shows Morocco's involvement in the continental process aimed at developing effective and equitable governance of labor migration in Africa,' Benkhair stated.
The consultation seeks to deepen discussions with African parliamentary, institutional, and civil society stakeholders. Its goal is to develop a unified legislative framework governing labor migration on the continent.
Such a framework would ensure respect for migrant workers' fundamental rights while promoting economic and social integration between African countries. The initiative forms part of a legislative process to create a model law on labor migration.
The project aims to provide harmonized legal standards for countries across Africa. This would guarantee protection of migrant workers' rights and contribute to better migration governance at national, regional, and continental levels.
The Nairobi gathering brings together representatives from parliaments, employer and trade union organizations, as well as experts from the AU and ILO are also participating.
Discussions will address legal aspects related to human rights and development linked to labor migration. Participants will exchange experiences and best practices to strengthen legislative frameworks and improve coordination continent-wide.
The PAP, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, serves as a consultative assembly of the AU. It was established under Article 5 of the AU Constitutive Act and officially began operations on March 18, 2004.
Each member state is represented in the PAP by five parliamentarians from both majority and opposition parties, including at least one woman. These representatives are elected or appointed by their national parliaments or legislative bodies.
The PAP's mandate includes ensuring 'the full participation of African peoples in the economic development and integration of the continent.'
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