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Morocco Elected President of the UN Human Rights Council for 2024

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Morocco Elected President of the UN Human Rights Council for 2024

In a significant development for its diplomatic standing, Morocco has been elected as the president of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the year 2024. This election, held through a rare secret ballot on October 1, 2024, marks an important milestone in Morocco’s evolving role in international diplomacy. The appointment of Morocco’s ambassador in Geneva as the council’s president is indicative of the confidence that member states have in Morocco’s leadership capabilities, especially in these challenging global times.

UN Human Rights Council: A Vital Global Platform

The UN Human Rights Council is one of the most influential bodies within the United Nations system, responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. Established in 2006, the Council consists of 47 member states elected on a rotating basis. The role of the presidency is crucial, as it involves setting the agenda, leading council meetings, overseeing resolutions, and steering the body towards addressing some of the world’s most pressing human rights issues. The council president serves as the face of global human rights discourse, representing the interests of vulnerable populations and working to resolve conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue.

The Election Process and Morocco’s Candidacy

Morocco’s election to the presidency of the UNHRC was the result of a secret ballot—a less common voting procedure for such positions. This type of election generally occurs when there is competition or when a consensus cannot be reached easily among member states. In this instance, Morocco emerged as the leading candidate, garnering the support of a majority of member states, demonstrating international faith in its leadership and the diplomatic skills of its representatives.

Morocco’s candidacy focused on highlighting its track record in promoting human rights within its own borders, as well as its consistent contributions to human rights causes on the international stage. Morocco’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva has been a key figure in these efforts, emphasizing dialogue, cooperation, and multilateralism as core tenets of his campaign.

Morocco’s Journey in Human Rights Advocacy

Morocco’s journey in human rights has been marked by significant progress over the last two decades. Once criticized for human rights abuses in the late 20th century, particularly during what are known as the “Years of Lead,” Morocco has since implemented extensive reforms. Under King Mohammed VI, Morocco has taken meaningful steps to modernize its institutions, promote social justice, and strengthen the rule of law. Initiatives such as the establishment of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER) in 2004, which was tasked with addressing past human rights abuses, set the stage for an ongoing transformation in the country’s human rights landscape.

Moreover, Morocco has actively worked to improve the rights of women and children, emphasizing gender equality and economic empowerment as key elements of its policy framework. The Mudawana (Family Code), reformed in 2004, is often highlighted as a significant step towards gender equality, giving women more rights within marriage and family life. Morocco has also made strides in child protection laws and has been praised for its integration of international norms into domestic legislation.

Morocco’s Role in Regional Stability and Human Rights Promotion

Beyond its domestic efforts, Morocco has been a key player in promoting human rights and stability throughout the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. As a relatively stable country in a region often fraught with political unrest, Morocco has positioned itself as a mediator in regional conflicts. The country has hosted several international dialogues and peace-building initiatives aimed at promoting security and safeguarding human rights, particularly in areas affected by conflict.

Morocco’s contributions to migration and refugee issues have also garnered international recognition. Situated as a major transit country between Africa and Europe, Morocco has worked with both African and European partners to manage migration flows in a manner that respects the rights of migrants. The country was instrumental in hosting the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in 2018, underlining its commitment to improving conditions for migrants and refugees.

Challenges for Morocco as the UNHRC President

As president of the UN Human Rights Council, Morocco faces numerous challenges that require delicate diplomacy and a deep understanding of complex global dynamics. In recent years, the UNHRC has had to navigate some of the most contentious human rights issues, from systemic racism and inequality to severe conflicts in regions like Ukraine, Syria, and Myanmar.

One of the key areas Morocco will need to focus on is addressing human rights abuses in conflict zones. As the global political climate becomes increasingly polarized, the UNHRC’s role in holding countries accountable and encouraging adherence to international human rights standards has become more challenging. The Council often faces accusations of bias and political maneuvering, which makes consensus-building among its diverse membership particularly difficult.

Another challenge for Morocco will be bridging divisions between member states. The Council has historically seen tensions between countries from different blocs, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues such as civil liberties, political freedoms, and the role of governmental intervention. Morocco’s role will involve ensuring that the Council remains a platform for meaningful dialogue rather than allowing divisions to derail human rights efforts.

Morocco will also need to tackle the rights of marginalized communities, including refugees, LGBTQ+ populations, and ethnic minorities, ensuring that their voices are heard and that protections are strengthened. Climate change and its impact on human rights is another area of growing concern that the Council will need to address under Morocco’s leadership, particularly regarding climate refugees and the rights of those affected by environmental degradation.

Morocco’s Vision for the UNHRC

In its role as the Council’s president, Morocco is expected to champion several core issues:

  1. Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue: Morocco intends to use its presidency to strengthen dialogue between member states, focusing on achieving consensus on pressing human rights issues. This approach will emphasize negotiation, mediation, and the avoidance of confrontation.
  2. Promoting Social and Economic Rights: A significant part of Morocco’s focus will be on advancing social and economic rights, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery. Issues such as access to healthcare, education, and fair labor practices are likely to be prioritized as part of the broader global human rights agenda.
  3. Human Rights and Digital Transformation: Another area of focus will be the intersection between human rights and the digital transformation. With the rapid spread of technology, ensuring privacy, preventing digital surveillance abuses, and safeguarding freedom of expression online have become pressing concerns. Morocco is expected to promote discussions on how to balance technological advances with the need to protect individuals’ rights.
  4. Addressing Racism and Discrimination: With systemic racism and discrimination still prevalent in many parts of the world, Morocco’s presidency is likely to give special attention to initiatives aimed at combating these issues. This includes building upon past UNHRC efforts to tackle hate speech and ensuring that marginalized communities are protected under international law.

International Reactions to Morocco’s Election

Morocco’s election as the president of the UN Human Rights Council has been met with a mix of optimism and caution. Supporters argue that Morocco’s progress in human rights reform, coupled with its diplomatic credibility, positions it well to lead the Council during a complex global period. Its historical connection to both the Arab world and Africa gives Morocco a unique perspective on issues that are critical to these regions, which are often at the center of human rights debates.

However, some critics have raised concerns about Morocco’s internal human rights record, particularly regarding freedom of expression and the treatment of the Sahrawi population in Western Sahara. Human rights organizations have urged Morocco to use its presidency as an opportunity to reflect on and improve its domestic human rights situation while leading by example at the international level.

Conclusion

Morocco’s election to the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council is a significant achievement that highlights its growing influence on the international stage. The position brings with it both opportunities and challenges. Morocco will need to balance its leadership role in promoting global human rights standards with addressing criticisms about its own domestic record. If successful, Morocco could set a strong example of how countries in transition can both improve their internal human rights practices and play a leading role in promoting these values globally.

For further information, visit France 24.

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🇲🇦 King Mohammed VI’s Speech Sparks Heated Debate in Parliament — “جيل زد يُجيب”

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Rabat — October 2025
Inside Morocco’s Parliament, tension and reflection filled the air just hours after His Majesty King Mohammed VI delivered his opening-session speech. What was meant as a national roadmap quickly turned into a day of open confrontation, emotional testimonies, and unexpected admissions from members of both majority and opposition blocs.


🏛️ A Speech That Touched Nerves

The King’s address, described by analysts as “direct and reform-oriented,” called for greater social justice, job creation, and balanced development across Morocco’s regions.

“No village left forgotten, no coast without a hand,” the King declared — a message that resonated deeply with citizens and lawmakers alike.

Within hours, parliamentary corridors buzzed with interviews, arguments, and introspection. Some MPs hailed the speech as “a moral reset,” while others questioned whether the government was capable of turning royal vision into tangible results.


🧠 From Rabat to the Sahara — Gen Z Responds

Younger members of Parliament — labeled as جيل زد (Gen Z) — became the focus of cameras and public curiosity. Many expressed frustration at what they see as a widening gap between political promises and everyday realities faced by Moroccan youth.

“The King spoke about unity and work. We agree — but the youth need a chance to prove themselves,” said one 28-year-old deputy.
“We have the energy; the system just needs to open its doors.”

Another young MP caused a social-media storm after saying that “in some ways, Moroccan social values are stronger than Germany’s.”
Critics accused him of downplaying Europe’s economic strength, while others applauded his pride in Moroccan family cohesion.
He later clarified his words, emphasizing that every nation faces challenges — and that Morocco’s real wealth lies in its people.


💬 Resignation, Reflection, and Responsibility

Just a week earlier, one deputy had submitted his resignation in protest over what he called “a lack of listening to the new generation.”
After the King’s address, he withdrew it.

“The royal speech gave me renewed hope. This is not the time to quit — it’s time to work,” he told reporters.

Across party lines, both RNI and PAM youth wings echoed similar messages: commitment to reform, but also impatience with bureaucracy.
Several MPs criticized ministers who, they said, “do not answer calls, do not reply to written questions, and have lost touch with citizens.”


⚖️ Opposition Voices: ‘A Government in Denial’

Members of the opposition used the session to accuse the cabinet of denial and poor communication, arguing that ministers are “living in a different reality” from citizens struggling with prices and unemployment.

“The royal messages were clear,” said one opposition leader. “The problem is not the King’s vision — it’s implementation.”


🌍 Morocco’s Path Forward

Analysts note that the King’s address aligned with long-standing themes: national cohesion, balanced territorial development, and respect for dignity in public service.
But the 2025 context — economic pressure, youth disillusionment, and the digital activism of Gen Z — gives these calls new urgency.

“This generation communicates differently,” said a policy researcher. “If institutions don’t adapt, they’ll lose credibility.”


🕊️ A Message Beyond Politics

As the parliamentary session ended, one young MP summed up the mood:

“الملك تكلّم… ونحن سنُجيب بالعمل — The King spoke, and we will answer through action.”

For now, the chamber that often echoes with partisan debates found itself united — briefly — under a single message:
Morocco’s future belongs to its youth, but responsibility belongs to everyone.


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Manufacturing Software at Risk from CVE-2025-5086 Exploit

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Manufacturing Software at Risk from CVE-2025-5086 Exploit

A newly disclosed flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-5086, poses a major security risk to manufacturers using Dassault Systèmes’ DELMIA Apriso platform. The bug could allow unauthenticated attackers to seize control of production environments, prompting urgent patching from the vendor and warnings from cybersecurity experts.

A critical vulnerability in DELMIA Apriso, a manufacturing execution system used by global industries, could let hackers bypass authentication and gain full access to sensitive production data, according to a security advisory published this week.

Dassault Systèmes confirmed the flaw, designated CVE-2025-5086, affects multiple versions of Apriso and scored 9.8 on the CVSS scale, placing it in the “critical” category. Researchers said the issue stems from improper authentication handling that allows remote attackers to execute privileged actions without valid credentials.

The company has released security updates and urged immediate deployment, warning that unpatched systems could become prime targets for industrial espionage or sabotage. The flaw is particularly alarming because Apriso integrates with enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply chain, and industrial control systems, giving attackers a potential foothold in critical infrastructure.

  • “This is the kind of vulnerability that keeps CISOs awake at night,” said Maria Lopez, industrial cybersecurity analyst at Kaspersky ICS CERT. “If exploited, it could shut down production lines or manipulate output, creating enormous financial and safety risks.”
  • “Manufacturing software has historically lagged behind IT security practices, making these flaws highly attractive to threat actors,” noted James Patel, senior researcher at SANS Institute.
  • El Mostafa Ouchen, cybersecurity author, told MAG212News: “This case shows why manufacturing execution systems must adopt zero-trust principles. Attackers know that compromising production software can ripple across supply chains and economies.”
  • “We are actively working with customers and partners to ensure systems are secured,” Dassault Systèmes said in a statement. “Patches and mitigations have been released, and we strongly recommend immediate updates.”

Technical Analysis

The flaw resides in Apriso’s authentication module. Improper input validation in login requests allows attackers to bypass session verification, enabling arbitrary code execution with administrative privileges. Successful exploitation could:

  • Access or modify production databases.
  • Inject malicious instructions into factory automation workflows.
  • Escalate attacks into connected ERP and PLM systems.

Mitigations include applying vendor patches, segmenting Apriso servers from external networks, enforcing MFA on supporting infrastructure, and monitoring for abnormal authentication attempts.

Impact & Response

Organizations in automotive, aerospace, and logistics sectors are particularly exposed. Exploited at scale, the vulnerability could cause production delays, supply chain disruptions, and theft of intellectual property. Security teams are advised to scan their environments, apply updates, and coordinate incident response planning.

Background

This disclosure follows a string of high-severity flaws in industrial and operational technology (OT) software, including vulnerabilities in Siemens’ TIA Portal and Rockwell Automation controllers. Experts warn that adversaries—ranging from ransomware gangs to state-sponsored groups—are increasingly focusing on OT targets due to their high-value disruption potential.

Conclusion

The CVE-2025-5086 flaw underscores the urgency for manufacturers to prioritize cybersecurity in factory software. As digital transformation accelerates, securing industrial platforms like Apriso will be critical to ensuring business continuity and protecting global supply chains.

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Spyware Surge: Apple Sends Fourth Security Alert to French Users

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Spyware Surge: Apple Sends Fourth Security Alert to French Users

Apple and France’s CERT-FR have issued a fourth spyware notification in 2025, alerting users to potential compromise of iCloud-linked devices through highly sophisticated zero-click attacks. Targets include journalists, activists, politicians, and officials. Authorities urge urgent updates, lockdown measures, and enhanced defenses amid rising mercenary spyware risks.

PARIS — Apple has issued its fourth notification of the year to French users, warning that at least one device linked to their iCloud account could have been compromised in a sophisticated spyware campaign, authorities confirmed Friday.

  • On September 3, 2025, Apple alerted users in France via iMessage, email, and iCloud notifications that their devices may have been targeted by spyware. The Hacker News+1
  • This marks the fourth such advisory this year, with prior alerts issued on March 5, April 29, and June 25. The Hacker News+1
  • According to France’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-FR), the threats are highly targeted, aimed at individuals based on status or function, including journalists, lawyers, activists, politicians, senior officials, and those connected to strategic sectors. The Hacker News+1
  • CERT-FR clarified: “Receiving a notification means that at least one of the devices linked to the iCloud account has been targeted and is potentially compromised.” Dark Reading
  • The alerts often arrive several months after compromise attempts, and the time lag is variable. Dark Reading
  • Known spyware implicated in similar campaigns includes Pegasus, Predator, Graphite, and Triangulation—tools described by CERT-FR as “particularly sophisticated and difficult to detect.” Dark Reading+1

Historical or Geopolitical Context:

  • CERT-FR has been issuing these notifications since November 2021 but has intensified alerts in 2025 with four documented campaigns in France alone. The Hacker News+1
  • Globally, mercenary spyware campaigns against civil society figures and officials have drawn scrutiny for their use of zero-click and zero-day vulnerabilities. TechRadar+1
  1. CERT-FR (France’s national cybersecurity agency): “Receiving a notification means that at least one of the devices linked to the iCloud account has been targeted and is potentially compromised.” Dark Reading
  2. Security researcher interviewed by Dark Reading (paraphrased): “Spyware programs like Pegasus, Predator, Graphite, and Triangulation are particularly sophisticated and difficult to detect.” Dark Reading
  3. El Mostafa Ouchen, international cybersecurity adviser and author, added: “This pattern of repeated, stealthy attacks underscores the importance of proactive device defenses. When high-profile individuals are targeted, detection must coincide with rapid response protocols—regular updates, lockdown modes, and separation of sensitive from general-use environments aren’t optional; they’re essential.”

Technical Analysis

How the Incident Occurred & Possible Attack Vectors:

  • The attacks largely exploit zero-click vulnerabilities, which allow spyware to be delivered and activated on a device without any interaction from the user. Dark Reading
  • Zero-day flaws—previously unknown and unpatched security vulnerabilities—are used as entry points, including flaws in the ImageIO framework (e.g., CVE-2025-43300) and WebKit. Dark Reading+1
  • iCloud-linked devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, are susceptible due to their integration with account syncing and messaging services (iMessage, iCloud). TechRadar+1

Affected Systems:

  • Devices tied to impacted Apple IDs—even those not actively in use—may be exposed if they remain connected via iCloud.
  • Alerts are triggered when Apple identifies indicators of compromise tied to known spyware chains.

Mitigations and Remediations:

  • Users are urged to update their devices immediately, enabling automatic updates to ensure timely patching of zero-day vulnerabilities. Dark Reading
  • CERT-FR recommends enabling Lockdown Mode, a feature that restricts many device functionalities to mitigate spyware risk. Dark Reading
  • Regular device restarts also aid detection and disrupt latent malware activity. Dark Reading

Impact & Respons

Who Is Affected:

  • Individuals in France (and possibly elsewhere) whose devices are linked to compromised Apple IDs, spanning prominent roles in journalism, politics, law, and activism. The Hacker News+1

Actions Taken:

  • Apple is dispatching notifications and sending alerts via email, iMessage, and iCloud logins.
  • CERT-FR has issued official advisories and security guidance.
  • Apple patched at least seven zero-day vulnerabilities this year, including those in ImageIO and WebKit. TechRadar

Possible Long-Term Implications:

  • Continued exploitation of zero-click spyware may accelerate regulatory pressure on mercenary spyware firms and drive policy changes.
  • Public trust in mobile device security may erode unless transparency and mitigation improve.
  • Surveillance of high-profile individuals raises concerns about privacy, democratic integrity, and misuse of advanced spyware.
  • France is among several countries where Apple has stepped up threat notifications tied to sophisticated spyware campaigns.
  • The use of mercenary spyware—commercially sold surveillance tools used by governments, including NSO Group’s Pegasus—has been a global concern over the past several years.
  • Zero-click attacks have been notably difficult to detect, and have been implicated in espionage of journalists, dissidents, and government officials in multiple regions.

The revelation that Apple users in France are now facing a fourth spyware alert in 2025 signals an escalation in stealthy, targeted cyber intrusions. As attackers rely on elusive zero-click and zero-day exploits, rapid technological and policy responses are essential. Continued vigilance, device hygiene, and legislative action may be needed to shield democracy’s key voices from such pervasive threats.

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