The CNCLT takes part in the launch by the European Union and the Council of Europe of the “South Programme V” to better protect human rights, the rule of law and democracy in the Southern Mediterranean, Lisbon, 13 and 14 March 2023

The launch event, in which the Ministry of Justice and the CNCLT took part, highlighted the contribution of the fifth phase of the South Programme to the progressive establishment of a common legal space between Europe and the Southern Mediterranean. Identifying future prospects and discussing ways of addressing common challenges will be at the heart of the event, which will provide a platform for exchanges on the relevance of shared standards for both shores of the Mediterranean. Partners and stakeholders, including Morocco, presented their experience and discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation for better protection of human rights, the rule of law and democracy in the region. A focus workshop on combating trafficking in human beings was held, during which Mr Hicham MELLATI highlighted the experience of the Kingdom of Morocco in this field. The fifth phase of the South Programme, “Protecting human rights, the rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean”, is officially launched today in Lisbon (Portugal). South Programme V is a joint initiative of the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe (CoE) for the period 2022–2025. It is co-funded by both organisations and will be implemented by the Council of Europe with a budget of more than 5.5 million euros (EU: 89.99%, CoE: 10.01%). This phase will benefit from the long-standing expertise of the Council of Europe’s North-South Centre (NSC) in strengthening civil society, in particular with regard to youth and women’s organisations and their networks.