To the Editor:

Re “Morocco’s King Slow to Deliver on Pro-Democracy Vows” (news article, June 12):

Morocco has made remarkable advances on human rights and democratization, changes that began long before the Arab Spring.

As Navi Pillay, the departing United Nations high commissioner for human rights, said at the end of an official visit to Morocco last month, “In my exchanges with the authorities, including His Majesty King Mohammed VI and various ministers, it was clear that there is the political will at the highest levels to continue efforts to set a firm human rights foundation for Moroccan society.”

The facts bear this out. Upon ascending the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI formed a public Truth and Reconciliation Commission to compensate victims of past political abuse. In 2004, a new family law strengthened women’s rights. And earlier this year, Morocco passed judicial reforms that exclude civilians from military tribunals.

Examples like this abound, which is why Ms. Pillay, along with members of the United States State Department, Congress, human rights organizations and others, has recognized and supports Morocco as a reform leader in the region. I can assure you that we plan to stay that path.

RACHAD BOUHLAL
Ambassador of Morocco
Washington, June 24, 2014