Law reform

Fez, Morocco - The new reforms outlined in the June 2011 Moroccan constitution can be grouped in three major categories: separation of powers, independence of justice, and good governance. However there are other key reforms that have gotten less attention but will have a major impact on Moroccan society, including a recognition of Morocco’s multicultural roots, a greater recognition of gender equality and more freedom of speech.

President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday signed an amendment to Palestinian law to end leniency for civilians found guilty of assault or murder "in defense of family honor." The move, welcomed by women's rights activists, came in the wake of the discovery of a Hebron woman drowned by her uncle because he disagreed with her choice of fiancee. 

Tunisia's ruling that men and women must feature in equal numbers as candidates in July polls is an Arab world first that builds on this year's revolt and allays fears of conservative influence, observers say. The decision by authorities preparing the July 24 constituent assembly poll after the uprising that toppled Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the north African nation's long-serving president, has been hailed as a regional breakthrough. The Tunisian revolution has sparked similar revolts in other Arab countries. "It is historic," said Sana Ben Assour, president of the

Ces derniers mois, des mères de famille de différents horizons, pour la plupart des femmes mariées, ont sollicité Liberté sur un sujet peu médiatisé, lié à leur droit de tutelle sur les enfants, mais qui semble les affecter sérieusement, voire les humilier. Comme les questions de ces femmes étaient très précises, nous avons jugé utile de nous rapprocher d’une avocate, Maître Nadia Aït Zaï, pour en savoir plus sur le thème, en relation avec les textes en vigueur, et pour tenter de répondre à certaines de leurs préoccupations.