Tangiers - The operation of receiving Moroccans living abroad "Marhaba 2016" was launched, on Sunday, at the Tangiers-Med Port, where several measures were taken to ensure the fluidity of passengers and vehicles traffic in comfort and security.

Port and airport authorities, in coordination with the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the Royal Gendarmerie, the Police and the Customs administration took a series of measures notably the reinforcement of human resources, and the reopening and redevelopment of rest areas.

 Head of the humanitarian department at the said Foundation Farid Tanjaoui Jazouli said that many teams of social workers and physicians have been dispatched to the Kingdom's access points, including that of Tangiers-Med.

Over 400 social workers were mobilized mainly in reception centers in the ports of Tangiers-Med, Nador, and Al Hoceima, the entry points of Bab Sebta, and Bab Mellilia, and the airports of Casablanca Mohammed V, Oujda-Angad, Agadir-Al Massira and Fez-Saïss.

Around 40 physicians and nurses were also mobilized, in addition to 20 ambulances 24/7, for the operation, which will run until September 15.

With MAP

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By Christopher Thomas

Rabat -Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari has just returned from his 3-day visit to Morocco from May 30^t to June 1^st, 2016. During his time here, Ansari met with Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, and a Chamber of Commerce and Industry was formed to facilitate bilateral trade. But why might India be interested in Morocco?

The most immediate answer is phosphates. Phosphates are used for fertilizer, making them extremely valuable to agrarian societies such as India. Moroccan phosphate resources are among the most extensive in the world, with only China and the United States reaching similar levels of production.

China, as of 2015, far outpaced Morocco’s phosphate production at roughly 100 million tons. However, China and India have a well-known rivalry that has resulted in war and seizure of territory in past decades. The strategic benefits of relying on Chinese resources to feed India’s people and bolster its economy are dubious.

The United States produced 27.6 million tons of phosphates in the same year, but Morocco produced 30 million tons, earning it a place among the two leading global superpowers. However, Moroccan phosphate reserves are the largest in the world by a significant margin; some estimates place Moroccan phosphate reserves at half of the world’s total.

This makes the kingdom an ideal trading partner to India, with resources that will only increase. Given the importance of food resources to a nation as populous as India, obtaining phosphates is a top priority. In return for these and other resources, India offers automobile manufacturing and pharmaceutical production to Morocco.

India’s influence in Africa has waned over recent decades, with rival China increasing its economic presence. To improve its own position on the geopolitical stage, India must become more involved with the affairs of so large a continent as Africa. This is especially pertinent given India’s ambitions to obtain a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

On a more fundamental level, India and Morocco share certain societal outlooks and political situations. They certainly have no animosity for one another, as characterized by Vice President Ansari’s statement: “There are no points of conflict [between India and Morocco] and politically our outlooks do not clash.”

Similarities run deeper than a mere lack of conflict; both nations have a clearly dominant religion, but are nonetheless hubs of multiculturalism. Morocco has been an Islamic nation since the Arab conquest in the 8^th Century, but garnered a reputation for tolerance in al Andalus by fostering a society in which Muslims, Jews, and Christians could coexist. It later became a haven for Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, and enjoyed a rare peace among religions in the Middle Ages and later centuries.

India is also home to significant religious minorities. As of 2015, it houses the third largest population of Muslims in the world, as well as a sizeable Sikh minority. Tensions and clashes among these groups have become central to the political stage. Morocco’s history of coexistence may provide a worthwhile point of reference to Indian political leadership.

Likewise, both nations govern territory that is internationally disputed. Morocco’s governance over its Southern Provinces/Western Sahara is a point of contention with the United Nations, which has encouraged a referendum that has proved unworkable.

Similarly, India governs large territories in Jammu and Kashmir, and the United Nations has also advocated a referendum that has failed to come about. India and Morocco share similar political flashpoints, which remain unresolved.

India and Morocco are separated by 8,458 km (5256 miles), but united by trade. The economic advantages to a partnership are abundantly clear, but the relationship could go far beyond an exchange of goods alone.

Perhaps Morocco and India can learn from their shared social and political issues and move forward together, expanding their relationship to a deeper and more lasting engagement. This may not be the intention of either government, but the parallels between their circumstances are clear, and may present an opportunity for progress and mutual understanding.

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Barcelona - Morocco will take part, on June 7-9, in the 18th edition of Barcelona's International Logistics and Material Handling Exhibition (SIL). Morocco will be represented by a delegation led by equipment, transportation and logistics minister Abdelaziz Rabbah.

Several Moroccan enterprises specializing in transportation, logistics and infrastructure are taking part in the three-day event.

SIL has consolidated itself as a leading Exhibition in Spain and Southern Europe, and an international point of reference where all logistics sectors are represented.

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Taroudant - Chinese authorities imposed their customary ban on Muslim students, teachers, and civil servants in the northwestern province of Xinjiang from fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

According to The Independent, the government has ordered restaurants to keep normal hours in the northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where Muslims form 58 per cent of the population.

A notice on a government website in the central Xinjiang city of Korla stated that "party members, cadres, civil servants, students and minors must not fast for Ramadan and must not take part in religious activities... During the Ramadan month, food and drink businesses must not close," the notice added.

Despite Beijing's official stance guaranteeing citizens broad freedom of belief, China keeps tight control over religious groups, especially on Muslims minorities in the Hui, Uygur, Kazakh, Uzbek, Tajik and Kyrgyz regions.

According to Xinhua news agency, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is home to about 24,000 mosques, which serve more than 13 million Muslims in the region.

The Khallej Times notes that human rights groups blame tensions on religious and cultural restrictions imposed on Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in the vast area, which abuts Central Asia.

Dilxat Raxit of the World Uyghur Congress, a political group in exile, condemned the restrictions in an email Monday, saying that "China believes that the Islamic faith of Uighurs threatens the rule of the Beijing leadership".

However, the Xinhua news agency reported that in the neighboring Gansu province, the Religious Affairs Bureau has guaranteed the freedom to fast; furthermore, the Gansu bureau sends officials to visit religious personnel and believers during Ramadan.

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Rabat - German Chancellor Angela Merkel signed a decision on June 4, 2016, to exempt owners of Islamic markets and restaurants from taxes during the month of Ramadan.

According to Arabic Russia Today, the decision was taken to allow these Islamic restaurants to lower food prices for Muslims during the holy month.

At a reception in Berlin, on Tuesday evening, on the occasion of Ramadan in the presence of representatives of different faiths, the German Chancellor called for mutual appreciation of religions.

The Chancellor said that the vast majority of Muslims are righteous and constitutionalist citizens, stressing that "it is obvious that Islam undoubtedly has become one component of Germany."

 Senior officials and religious leaders of different faiths and prominent figures in politics and society attended the event, including general secretary of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, Nurhan Soykan; the president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster; the chairman of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany, Heinrich Bedford-Strohm; and the president of the Central Committee of Catholics in Germany, Alois Glück.

In her ongoing attempts to bring all Germans together, the German chancellor attended an Iftar meal in Berlin last Ramadan, calling on all Germans and Europeans to respect Muslims and Islam, which is “a part of Germany.”

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By Myriam Ait Malk

Casablanca - Grammy Award-winning music producer RedOne has decided to leave his producer’s chair and step behind the microphone. He has released his debut solo single titled “Don’t You Need Somebody” with the help of big names.

On May 20, RedOne published two consecutive videos on his Youtube Channel. The first was his single “Don’t You Need Somebody,” and the second was a short clip of the single’s music video with, to everyone’s surprise, International football star Cristiano Ronaldo.

#DYNS ft. @enriqueiglesias @RCity @DiRealShaggy @Serayah is out now WORLDWIDE! Get it here: https://t.co/2lqvYyNznQ pic.twitter.com/K7aGmnzdr9

— RedOne (@RedOne_Official) May 20, 2016

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in the 30-second snippet of RedOne’s music video, joyfully lip-syncing to the song.

In a video interview on May 29 in Los Angeles, RedOne told Simo Benbachir of Al Arabiya that “Don’t You Need Somebody” features his friends Enrique Iglesias, Shaggy, and “Locked Away” singers R-City and Serayah.

“I had a few number ones in the world and now I feel it’s the right time for me to do this. All these relationships and friends that I’ve made history with have been encouraging me to do this.” RedOne told Al Arabiya.

The Moroccan-Swedish record producer, singer-songwriter, and record executive is particularly excited about the reception of his brand new summer hit and remains motivated about the new artists for whom he will be producing in the near future.

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Paris - The choice of Morocco to host the 22th UN Climate Conference (COP22) is "the best and most appropriate", given its commitment to tackle climate change, French senator, Christian Cambon, said Thursday in Paris.

Speaking at a conference organized in the Senate under the theme "Halfway between COP21 and COP22: From Paris to Marrakech," Cambon, president of France-Morocco friendship group in the Senate, welcomed the "quality of commitments made by Morocco", particularly through the development of renewable energies.

In this regard, he highlighted the large-scale project of "Noor” solar plant in Ouarzazate, underlining Morocco’s leadership position at the African level in the field of environmental and renewable energy development.

Cambon also stressed the importance of COP22, to be held in Marrakech in November, in fulfilling States’ commitments under the Paris Agreement, welcoming Morocco’s mobilization to ensure the success of this global event.

With MAP

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By Lee Kainoelani

Rabat- Three-time GRAMMY-winning producer, RedOne, freshly released a music video of his debut solo single titled “Don’t You Need Somebody”, Thursday, featuring numerous world stars’ lip syncing the song’s lyrics.

“It's a beautiful moment and honor to have all these friends, all these celebrities that are personal friends to me to come and show love to this positive song that’s going to make the world dance and make the world a happier place,” RedOne told Morocco World News. “It feels amazing to have all these friends coming through for me.

On May 20, RedOne published two consecutive videos on his Youtube Channel. The first was his single “Don’t You Need Somebody,” and the second was a short clip of the single’s music video with International football star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Before the official music video went public, RedOne revealed in an interview with Al Arabiya that “Don’t You Need Somebody” featured his friends Enrique Iglesias, Shaggy and “Locked Away” singers R-City and Serayah.

The official music video introduces an array of stars.

“I had a few number ones in the world and now I feel it’s the right time for me to do this. All these relationships and friends that I’ve made history with have been encouraging me to do this,” RedOne told Al Arabiya.

RedOne turned to the next-generation music masters, Boston’s Josh Bernstein and the Netherlands’ Rannix, for a re-work fit for this summer’s EDM (electronic dance music) crowds.

This summer RedOne's fans will be introduced to world star DJs, such as Afro Jack, Ishi, and Josh Berntsein.

This summer, there will be “some amazing remixes, including, Afro Jack, Ishi, the young talent josh Berntsein and others," RedOne told Morocco World News.

“[This remix] is sickkkkk and genius! You can tell when someone really young is going to be doing big things in the industry. Josh Bernstein is one of those rare people who you just know is going to be a force,” said RedOne, according to News On 6.

Praise like that holds immense weight when spoken by RedOne, one of the music industry’s reigning kings.

The Moroccan-Swedish record producer, singer-songwriter, and record executive was particularly excited about the release of his brand new summer hit, and remains motivated about the new artists for whom he will be producing in the near future.

The list of people featured in the song includes Akon, Alex Sparrow, Ali B, Aseel, Bibi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dave Stewart and Kaya Stewart, Dr. Simon Ourian, French Montana, Howie Mandel, James Rodriguez, Jay McGuinness, Aliona Vilani, Jean-Claude Van Damme, JLO, John Maman, Just Jarred, Kaitlin Bristowe, Karina Bazan, Kevin McHale, Kristina Bazan, Maître Gimms, Max Schneider, Mesut Özil, Mila Jovovic, Momo, Mr. Brainwash, Perez Hilton, Priyanka Chopra, David Luiz, Blaise Matuidi, Josh Norman, R City, Rafael Nadal, Randy Jackson, RedOne, Ryan Seacrest, Serayah, Shaggy, Simo Benbachir (Simobb), Tal, Thahn Bui, and The Band Perry.

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By Christopher Thomas

Rabat - A sub-Saharan migrant lost his life as he endeavored to reach Spanish territory on Tuesday.

He was found in a sewer along with three other migrants. Authorities rushed him to a hospital in nearby city Nador, where he eventually died. MAP commented that the other three migrants were treated and released from the hospital.

The current refugee crisis, sparked by instability across the Arab World and especially in Syria, has created an influx of refugees to Europe at levels unseen since the Second World War. Migrants from sub-Saharan Africa also pour into Europe, fleeing conflict, poverty, and disease.

Their route often leads through Morocco. Instead of attempting the dangerous route across the Mediterranean, some migrants try to reach Spanish holdings on the African continent. Ceuta and Melilla are two such holdings on the Mediterranean which are considered European Union territory.

Traversing the sewer demonstrates how desperate these migrants are to reach Europe. Other attempts have included migrants smuggling themselves across with vehicles or goods, or directly scaling the walls. Deaths are not uncommon during the dangerous journey to the European Union.

The Moroccan government has declined to comment on this event.

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Rabat - On the first day of Ramadan, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau broke the fast with Muslim members of his party.

"It was a pleasure celebrating the ‘ftour’ and breaking the fast with Muslim members of our party,” wrote Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on his Twitter account.

Heureux de célébrer l’iftar et de rompre le 1er jeûne du ramadan av les membres musulmans de notre caucus hier soir.https://t.co/QjKELN2GOT

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 7, 2016

This sentence was accompanied by a short video that reached more than one million views within just a few hours, showing him having a traditional ftour with his colleagues.

The young politician and leader of the Liberal Party became the 23^rd Prime Minister of Canada on November 4^th, 2015.

He celebrated the first day of Ramadan on Monday June 6th with his Muslim colleagues, who gathered together around the same table to break the fast.

The night before, Trudeau wished a happy Ramadan to the Canadian Muslim community and to Muslims everywhere.

"During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset in order to exercise their patience, getting closer to God and give charity to the poorest ones," said Trudeau.

“Cultural diversity in Canada is one of our biggest strengths, and a source of pride to all of us," he added.

In social media, numerous Canadians have expressed their support with Trudeau, spreading messages of tolerance and unity.

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Rabat - On the first day of Ramadan, two men violently attacked a young Muslim woman working in a bar in Nice, France because she was serving alcohol.

The young waitress filed claims against the two individuals who attacked her on Monday, June 6.

"I was all alone in the bar when two passersby barged in," the waitress told the Nouvel Obs newspaper.

"They pointed their fingers at the bottles of alcohol that they saw behind the counter, then one of them said to me in Arabic 'You should be ashamed to be serving beer during Ramadan.’”

She said that one of the men added, "If I was God, I would have you hanged."

The waitress, who is of Tunisian origin and fasts during the month of Ramadan, said she felt humiliated and belittled following the attack.

“Serving alcohol doesn't mean I'm not following my duties,” she said. “I'm doing it because I am a barmaid. In Tunisia, I do the same job and I never had the same problem. I can't believe that in France, the country of liberty, I could be attacked like this.”

After the men insulted her, they both left the establishment, but one of them soon came back and struck the victim in the face. She has bruises near her brow bone from the attack.

This was not the perpetrators’ first encounter with the bar. Three days prior to this incident, the same individuals threatened the owner of the bar for selling alcohol during Ramadan.

The incident sparked reactions from right-wing French politicians.

“This attack should be placed in a national context that has seen a constant rise in religious fundamentalism and ghettoized communities," Eric Ciotti, the representative for Les Républicains, said.

Another response to the incident came from Philippe Vardon, regional advisor to the National Front, who said, ““This situation comes from the weakness of our political leaders.” He accused Chrisitan Estrosi, mayor of Nice, of becoming “entangled in unacceptable and dangerous compromises.”

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Rabat - King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid and Prince Moulay Ismail, chaired Thursday at the Royal Palace in Rabat, the first religious lecture of the holy month of Ramadan.

The lecture was given by Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, on "women's contribution in building Islam's spiritual culture," in light of the Quranic verse: "the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward."

Toufiq said that King Mohammed VI's constant concern for women by granting them full rights and entrusting them with the mission of supervising the believers is a clear illustration of this spirituality.

Speaking about the status of women in Islam, the lecturer said that God's message is aimed at both men and women, as evidenced by the verse, the subject of this lecture.

The verse, he said, is an evidence of equality established by Islam between men and women in the spirituality and in rewards given by God to this spirituality, emphasizing that any attack on this equality is the result of poor assimilation or misinterpretation of religious teachings.

With MAP

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Rabat - King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, launched, on Thursday in Rabat, the construction works of a day center for Alzheimer patients, a medical and social project providing health care for mild or moderate Alzheimer patients, and those living at home, combined with assistance for their family aids. 

The first of its kind in Morocco, the project is worth 7 million dirhams and financed by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity.

The center will provide quality medical care, as well as support for patients, their family, and in-home caregivers to boost their role and enhance their action through training and information.

The facility, which will be carried out on an area of 1,178 m2, has medical and psychosocial centers.

The medical center will offer care in general medicine, geriatrics and physical therapy. As for the psychosocial center, it will feature workshops for sick people (cognitive simulation, artistic mediation) and for caregivers (training and awareness).

Patients and caregivers will also participate in joint workshops to strengthen social ties.

With MAP

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The new facility offers a medical multidisciplinary and social and psychological care for patients with cerebral palsy, especially children.

With a capacity of 100 beneficiaries, the center offers therapeutic treatments in psychomotor education, physical therapy and speech therapy.

On this occasion, King Mohammed VI symbolically handed over orthopaedic devices to four disabled beneficiaries diagnosed during outpatient medical caravans, organized during this year by Mohammed V Foundation for solidarity in the regions of Taza and Sidi Kacem.

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Washington - US president Barack Obama on Thursday formally endorsed Hillary Clinton for the first time after a meeting with her primary opponent Bernie Sanders.

Sanders emerged from the Oval Office peace talks with the president to say he was now prepared to meet Clinton and work with her after losing Tuesday’s primary elections.

"I spoke briefly to Secretary Clinton on Tuesday night and I congratulated her on her very strong campaign," the Vermont senator told a throng of reporters outside the West Wing. "I look forward to meeting with her in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump and to create a government that represents all of us and not just the 1%."

"I’m with her," said Obama, in remarks recorded on Tuesday. “" don’t think there has ever been someone so qualified to hold this office," he added.

"She’s got the courage, the compassion, and the heart to get the job done … I have seen her judgment," said the president. "I’ve seen her toughness. I’ve seen her commitment to our values up close. And I’ve seen her determination to give every American a fair shot at opportunity, no matter how tough the fight – that’s what’s always driven her, and still does."

An endorsement from Elizabeth Warren followed on Thursday night, and the champion of the party’s progressive wing also put herself in the frame as a possible vice-presidential running mate for Clinton.

In an interview with the Boston Globe, Warren said: "I’m ready to jump in this fight and make sure that Hillary Clinton is the next president of the United States and be sure that Donald Trump gets nowhere near the White House." Obama and Clinton are due to appear at a rally together next Wednesday in Wisconsin, a blue-collar battleground targeted by Trump.

With MAP

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By David Hazelwood

Rabat - I remained concerned and, frankly, outraged, by the sexual harassment of women and girls in Morocco. This is not something I only read and/or hear about, this is something I witness personally on a daily basis.

Respecting girls’ and women’s rights changes the world unmistakably for the better. Morocco must push further in its struggle to ensure the safety and security for all girls. Investing in girls’ is not only right, it is smart. Benefits include greater social stability and economic growth.

We will never achieve this unless we tackle the roots of imbalance in social barriers and entrenched social norms. Unless Morocco begins to understand equality as a much broader concept, girls and young women will never be able to achieve the security that is of fulfillment to their human rights.

In March of this year, Bassima Hakkaoui, Moroccan Minister of Solidarity Women, Family, and Social Development, announced a new second draft for an anti-sexual harassment law.

The new bill legally redefines the spaces in which women can claim they have been sexually harassed. Sexual harassment includes unsolicited acts, statements, or signals of a sexual nature, which are delivered in person, online, or via telephone, the bill says.

The draft includes tougher punishments for perpetrators as well. A person convicted of committing sexual assault could face a combination of jail time, ranging anywhere from one month to six months, and fines, between MAD 2,000 and MAD 10,000.

This will be a consequential policy choice; one that will positively affect Moroccans, especially girls and women, for generations to come. It is sad and alarming when fear hinders girls’ and women’s access to basic services outside the home. Harassment on the streets restricts social and economic development. Because of this fact, Morocco should unanimously pass the proposed bill and enforce it. People who harass girls and women in the streets are hindering the growth of the Kingdom of Morocco and its people.

It will be hard to get Moroccan boys to be bold enough to respect girls and stand up for them in front of their friends. However, we must demand that they do so. It is not only sad to see boys harass girls and women, it is also sad to see people who witness this do nothing about it; I am guilty of this too. We need to begin to speak up and stand up for girls when we witness this. We must stand in unity.

Literally millions of girls face harassment on a daily basis. We must task ourselves with doing everything in our power to give Moroccan girls all the freedom and security they deserve. They should feel safe and protected walking down the street, not scared and worried.

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By Bryn Miller

Rabat - Canadian Member of Parliament Mark Holland told the House of Commons on June 3 that he will observe Ramadan this year and donate the money he saves to charity.

 Holland is the Liberal Party’s representative in the district of Ajax, Ontario. He served from 2006 to 2011 and was reelected in 2015.

In his address to the House of Commons last week, Holland stated: “Mr. Speaker, next week there will be hundreds of thousands of Canadians who will be celebrating Ramadan... I want to take this opportunity to wish all those who are celebrating Ramadan, Ramadan Mubarak. Last year, I had the opportunity to fast for the entire period of Ramadan. It is something I am going to do again in support of a charity called Give 30. People take the money that they save from fasting every day and give it to those in need, particularly food banks.”

“When I fasted, it was an incredible experience to feel what it was like to be hungry. Of course, I got relief at the end of the day, but for many children, unfortunately, in Canada and around the world, that relief never comes. [Give30] gives an opportunity to reflect upon that and use the power of Ramadan to help others.”

Founded by Ziyaad Mia in 2012, Give30 facilitates direct donations to food banks across Canada during the month of Ramadan. The organization hopes that Muslims and non-Muslims alike will use the month of Ramadan to empathize with those who are plagued by hunger and thirst year-round. Mia’s initiative has raised over $300,000 USD since 2012. In the first four days of Ramadan this year, Give30 raised $17,557 USD.

Holland’s decision to observe Ramadan has received international attention. Queen Noor al Hussein of Jordan tweeted her support of his decision on Friday, and a Facebook video of his speech received over 5 million views and 107 thousand likes.

Politician Canadian parliament on Ramadan bravo! https://t.co/NLO9RtBya8

— Noor Al Hussein (@QueenNoor) June 10, 2016

In addition to his contributions to Give30, Holland’s announcement is a show of solidarity with Canada’s Muslim population of one million as they celebrate the Islamic holy month.

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By Christopher Thomas

Rabat - Michelle Obama has reportedly decided to vacation in Marrakech this month with her two daughters.

According to Le360, the three will stay in the city and tour surrounding countryside. Their trip will commence at the end of June, and will be accompanied by the usual retinue of Secret Service and other security agents.

If confirmed, this trip would mark the first visit to Morocco by a member of the Obama family. This visit is not a political occasion and will not include any diplomatic exchange. However, given that this is the family of the President of the United States, the trip may carry some political connotations.

This trip implies that Morocco is a relatively safe country. While extremist groups have risen across the Arab world and incited violence from terrorist attacks to conventional military invasions, Morocco has been sheltered from these destabilizing forces.

A capable counter-terrorism network and a historically tolerant population make this nation a difficult target terrorists. The First Family’s visit implies that they trust Morocco’s security apparatus to create a safe environment for their vacation.

The First Lady’s celebrity makes her travels noteworthy to the American people. Her visit to Morocco could help draw attention to the country in the context of vacation. This may encourage Americans to visit the kingdom, bolstering Morocco’s tourism industry and facilitating cultural exchange.

While Michelle Obama’s visit to Morocco would be for pleasure rather than business, it would carry political weight. The message appears to be one of unity, and may encourage close relations between the two nations. At the very least, it will be a memorable vacation for the First Family.

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By Bryn Miller

Rabat - The Moroccan government approved on Thursday an amendment to the Moroccan Penal Code that liberalized the nation’s abortion laws.

This amendment is the most recent manifestation of efforts to reform the 50-year-old code in accordance with the goals of the 2011 constitution.

Previously, Article 453 of the Penal Code mandated that abortion was only permissible if the health of the mother was in danger. Yesterday’s reform amended the law to allow abortion in cases of incest, rape, and birth defects.

Last year, King Mohamed VI ordered the government to amend abortion laws after the Moroccan Association for the Fight against Clandestine Abortion reported that 800 illegal abortions were performed daily in the Kingdom. Although AMLAC’s estimate is hard to verify, their study demonstrates that up to 220,000 Moroccan women undergo illegal abortions each year.

The Middle East Eye estimates that illegal abortions in clinics cost approximately 3,000 dirhams (300 USD), a steep price for many Moroccan women. Those who cannot afford proper medical care may undergo procedures by untrained medics that lead to dangerous complications. Alaoui Belghitti, a doctor representing the Ministry of Health, told Al-Arabiya  in 2012 that abortion is a major public health problem.

In March, the King asked the Department of Justice and Islamic Affairs and the National Council for Human Rights to conduct a study regarding the legal, political, and Islamic implications of liberalizing Morocco’s abortion laws. The study found that the large majority of Moroccans supported legalizing abortion, but only in cases of rape, incest, and birth defects.

Health Minister El Hussein Louardi supported the legalization, telling Telquel News in May, “I am a doctor and citizen first. I believe a woman should have control over her own body. I think it is absolutely necessary to legalize abortion, because it is not only a medical problem but also a social problem.”

The Islamic laws regarding abortion make legalization a particularly controversial topic in the Kingdom. Islam generally teaches that abortion is wrong due to the sanctity of life valued in the Qur’an. The holy text is clear that it is not permissible to abort a child solely because the parents fear they will not be able to provide for him or her. However, since Shar’ia law encourages Muslims to choose the lesser of two evils most scholars agree that abortion is permissible if the pregnancy would endanger the life of the mother.

Morocco generally follows the Maliki school of law, which forbids abortion. However, the other three schools permit conditional abortions. The Hanafi and Shafi schools allow women to abort until the 120th day of pregnancy, while the Hanbali school permits them to do so before the 40th day. Since Morocco’s progressive 2004 Family Law was influenced by the Hanafi school of law, advocates for abortion legalization hoped the government will continue to shift to shift away from Maliki stances. The government’s decision to liberalize Morocco’s abortion policy is the latest of the progressive reforms that have characterized the past years of King Mohammed VI’s rule.

This reform accompanied various other amendments to the penal code, including clauses that criminalize forced disappearance, trafficking of immigrants, war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity.

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