The minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbiannounced a major initiative: the generalization of family courts through all the prefectures and provinces of the kingdom. This deployment is part of a vast national project dedicated to the modernization of family justice infrastructure, a direct response to the guidelines of His Majesty King Mohammed VIexpressed during the discourse of the throne of 2022. These royal directives underlined the imperative to make these jurisdictions universally accessible and to provide them with adequate human and material resources.
Extension of family courts in a written response to a question raised by the parliamentary group of Popular movement In the House of Representatives, Ouahbi indicated that the Ministry of Justice was actively engaged in the extension of the family courts at the level of all the courts of first instance. This strategic approach implies the acquisition of appropriate land and the allowance of specific budgets for the construction of autonomous courts, designed according to the most modern standards. These new structures will include spaces dedicated to mediation, areas adapted to children and reception counters thought to optimize service to users.
In detail, the minister said that since the entry into force of Family code In February 2004, 87 sections of family justice had been set up, 75 being currently operational and twelve others await their activation. On the whole, 39 sections operate independently, while 28 are under construction or planning. In addition, 15 sections will invest the former premises of the first instance courts, released by their transfer to new constructions. Thus, to date, 28 independent seats for family courts, characterized by a contemporary design and generous areas, have been completed. Among them are the courts of RABAT, Tanger, Tétouan, Settat, Marrakech, Agadir, Laâyoune, Safi, KHouribga, Kelaa Des Sraghna, FKIH BEN SALAH, Sidi Slimane Et Tiznit. It should be noted that the section of Jeradaalthough its building is finished, is not yet in service.
Regarding the reallocation of former premises, we learn that 11 sections have already been transferred, in particular those of Khémisset, El Jadida, Kenitra, Meknès, Dakhla and Guercifsome being still in the development phase, knowing that five other courts are under construction and development, those of Salé, Sefrou and Benslimaneas well as Tahannaout et Ben Ahmed.
Future projects with regard to future projects, Mr. Ouahbi has announced that 23 sections were currently the subject of studies or research of suitable land, in cities such as Fez, Guelmim, Errachidia, Azilal, Chefchaouen, Al Hoceïma and Tata. He insisted on the constant efforts deployed by the ministry to overcome the difficulty of the land acquisition, an essential condition for the realization of these projects.
New developments in the family courts on another register, the Minister indicated that his department was planning the development of specific spaces within each family court to improve the reception of litigants. These arrangements will include spacious audience rooms, reception and listening offices, areas dedicated to conciliation, as well as play areas for children. In addition, the new courts will benefit from 100% coverage in terms of reception counters. For existing courts, adaptations of buildings or the creation of external offices will be envisaged when it is necessary.
According to the Minister of Justice, this ambitious initiative testifies to the government’s continuous commitment to carry out the structural reforms of the judicial system, with particular attention to the modernization of family courts. The ultimate objective is to meet the expectations of Moroccan families and to meet their legal and social needs in an environment that preserves their dignity.
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