Moroccan jurists took an active role in the 29th edition of the World Law Congress, held from May 4 to 6, 2025, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Organised by the World Jurist Association (WJA) and the World Law Foundation (WLF), the event gathered over 300 speakers from 70 countries under the theme: “New Generations and the Rule of Law: Shaping the Future.”

The opening ceremony, hosted by the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, featured Dominican Vice President Raquel Peña, who emphasised the role of youth and technology in expanding access to justice.

WJA President Javier Cremades warned of rising threats to global democracy, while former Colombian President Iván Duque praised the Dominican example of constitutional reform and cautioned against the increasing politicisation of the judiciary.

Other key participants included Dominican Ombudsman Pablo Ulloa, UNICARIBE Chancellor José Alejandro Aybar, and Constitutional Court President Napoleón Estévez Lavandier.

Morocco’s delegation included four prominent legal scholars:

• Zaina Chahim, lawyer and President of the Finance and Economic Development Commission
• Zakaria Abouddahab, Professor of International Relations at Mohammed V University, Rabat
• Hamid Aboulass, Professor of Constitutional Law at Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier
• Abdelaziz Laaroussi, Professor of Public Law and Vice-Dean at Mohammed V University

The Moroccan panellists underscored the country’s progress in human rights, regionalisation, and territorial governance, especially in the southern provinces.

Zaina Chahim, speaking on a panel on human dignity, emphasised the connection between inclusive development and territorial integrity.

She cited the 2015 New Development Model for the Southern Provinces and highlighted the role of Saharan women in public institutions and the human rights advocacy work of CNDH regional commissions in Laayoune and Dakhla.

Zakaria Abouddahab addressed constitutional transitions in the Arab world. He described Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Plan, presented to the UN, as a credible solution grounded in international law, the UN Charter, and the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice.

He characterised the initiative as a form of internal self-determination based on democratic participation and local governance.

Hamid Aboulass discussed Morocco’s advanced regionalisation, calling it a cornerstone of territorial democracy.

He pointed to the gradual devolution of powers to elected local authorities and mechanisms for democratic oversight.

He presented the Autonomy Plan as a natural extension of this governance model in a distinct geopolitical context.

Abdelaziz Laaroussi explored the African concept of human dignity rooted in community values. He cited Morocco’s post-2011 legal reforms and public policy innovations in the southern provinces.

Laaroussi emphasised the role of CNDH regional commissions and integrated social programs that guarantee dignity in practice.

The congress closed with a ceremony attended by Dominican President Luis Abinader and King Felipe VI of Spain.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the United States Supreme Court received the 2025 Global Peace and Freedom Prize.

The Moroccan delegation’s participation reinforced the Kingdom’s commitment to legal reform, human rights, and sustainable territorial development.

It also reaffirmed the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as a realistic and internationally consistent solution to the artificial dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.