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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 


Cheryl Thomas, Women’s Program Director
(w) 612-341-3302, ext. 102  
cthomas@advrights.org
Robin Phillips, Executive Director
(w) 612-341-3302, ext. 109
rphillips@advrights.org


 
 
Local Advocates to Travel to Morocco with State Representative for Domestic Violence Legislation Training
 
Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN (January 15, 2009) – Cheryl Thomas, Women’s Program Director and Robin Phillips, Executive Director of The Advocates for Human Rights will travel to Fez, Morocco along with State Representative Michael Paymar of district 64B, to provide training for Moroccan domestic violence advocates later this month. The training, which takes place on January 26th and 27th, is sponsored by Global Rights Morocco and the participants are representatives of women’s advocacy groups from around the country. While the participating groups are providing direct services to victims of violence and working on advocacy and awareness campaigns, the training will focus on building their legislative advocacy skills in order to draft comprehensive domestic violence laws in Morocco. Phillips, Thomas, and Rep. Paymar will meet with local groups throughout the week, their stay culminating in a meeting with Moroccan Parliamentarians on January 28th. 
 
Domestic violence is a worldwide problem, with at least 1 in 3 women in the world having been a victim of physical or sexual violence, usually by an intimate partner. For women age 15-44, rape and domestic violence ranks as a higher risk factor than cancer, motor vehicle accidents, malaria, and war. Moroccan law currently does not specifically prohibit domestic violence. Instead, violence against women is covered under the generally applicable criminal code, and is frequently not prosecuted in the justice system. Since no Arab country has yet established domestic violence laws, legislation in Morocco would set an important precedent in the region.
                                                                                                                                    
 
The Advocates for Human Rights is a non-governmental, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of internationally recognized human rights. With the help of over 600 volunteers, The Advocates investigates and exposes human rights violations; represents immigrants and refugees in our community who are victims of human rights abuses, trains and assists groups that protect human rights; and works through education and advocacy in Minnesota to engage the public, policy makers and children about human rights and cultural understanding. The Advocates for Human Rights holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations.