UN honors Halima Ouarzazi on Women in Diplomacy Day
Halima Ouarzazi’s passing on May 14, 2025, marked the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to diplomacy, human rights, and the advancement of women in international affairs. Her distinguished career, spanning over five decades, positioned her as a trailblazer not only for Morocco but for African women and the global diplomatic community. This analysis explores the breadth and depth of Ouarzazi’s contributions, her pioneering role in multilateral diplomacy, and the enduring impact of her work as recognized by the United Nations and the international community.
Tribute and recognition: Honoring a diplomatic Trailblazer
On June 24, 2025, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights paid tribute to Halima Ouarzazi during the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, coinciding with the inaugural International Day of Women in Diplomacy. Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted Ouarzazi’s legacy alongside that of Belela Herrera from Uruguay, emphasizing that “Women, in all their diversity, have been working in diplomacy for generations” and that these two recently deceased diplomats are “cherished examples among many”.
This tribute reflects the international recognition of Ouarzazi’s pioneering role as one of the first African women to ascend to the highest echelons of the United Nations system. The event also featured a photography exhibition titled Women Leaders in Multilateralism and Diplomacy, held at the Palais des Nations, underscoring the broader movement to remove barriers to women’s leadership in peace and diplomacy—a cause central to Moroccan foreign policy and championed by Ouarzazi herself.
Halima Ouarzazi’s career highlights: A life of distinguished service
Born on April 17, 1933, in Casablanca, Morocco, Halima Ouarzazi was among the earliest Moroccan women to enter the diplomatic arena. After completing her Bachelor of Arts in Literature at Cairo University in 1957, she joined the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, becoming the first female Moroccan Cultural Attaché at the embassy in Washington by 1959. Her early career already demonstrated a remarkable blend of ambition and resilience, notably stepping into diplomatic roles following personal tragedy and seizing opportunities to serve her country on the global stage.
Her tenure at the United Nations was marked by a series of groundbreaking appointments. At just 33 years old, she was elected Chair of the UN Third Committee in 1966, becoming the youngest president of a principal UN General Assembly committee. The Third Committee’s focus on social, humanitarian, and human rights issues aligned with Ouarzazi’s lifelong commitment to these causes.
Throughout her career, Ouarzazi served as an expert with the UN Committee against Apartheid and Racial Discrimination, contributing significantly to the global fight against systemic racism and colonialism. She was a member of both the Council and Executive Committee of the International Institute of Human Rights, where she played a leadership role in advancing human rights education and advocacy. Additionally, her role on the UN Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and the Protection of Minorities placed her at the forefront of efforts to safeguard minority rights worldwide.
Her leadership extended into the 1990s, when she presided over the preparatory committee for the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, advocating strongly for the positions of the Global South and helping secure unanimous adoption of key human rights texts. She also chaired the working group on new forms of racism, reflecting her sustained engagement with evolving challenges to equality and justice.
Broader context: Championing Women’s Leadership in diplomacy
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy, celebrated for the first time during the 59th HRC session, serves as a fitting backdrop to honor Ouarzazi’s legacy. The day, established through HRC Resolution 58/15 led by Morocco, aims to highlight and remove barriers to women’s leadership in peace and diplomacy, areas where Ouarzazi was a pioneering figure.
Her career exemplifies the increasing role and impact of African women in international diplomacy and human rights advocacy. At a time when female representation in global governance was minimal, Ouarzazi broke glass ceilings and set precedents for future generations. Her efforts resonate with ongoing calls for gender equality in decision-making, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and humanitarian response—priorities emphasized by the cross-regional coalition backing the resolution that created the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
Legacy and impact: A prolific diplomat and human rights advocate
Halima Ouarzazi’s contributions to international law and human rights are both deep and wide-ranging. She authored or contributed to over 550 UN documents, 490 recommendations and resolutions, 115 speeches, and 19 major reports, making her one of the most prolific Moroccan diplomats in UN history and a leading female African figure in the multilateral human rights system.
Her work helped shape the global human rights architecture, particularly through her advocacy against apartheid, racial discrimination, and new forms of racism. She was instrumental in fostering consensus during the Cold War era, uniting opposing blocs around universal human rights principles. Her leadership in the UN Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities spanned decades, culminating in her election as vice-president of its 49th session in 1997.
Ouarzazi’s diplomatic influence extended beyond formal roles. Fluent in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish, she was part of a “golden generation” of UN human rights jurists who laid the foundations for contemporary international human rights law and institutions. Her advocacy for Moroccan territorial integrity, including on the Western Sahara issue, also demonstrated her commitment to national sovereignty within the multilateral framework.
Personal resilience and inspirational journey
Halima Ouarzazi’s personal resilience and inspirational journey profoundly shaped her remarkable diplomatic career. In 1959, she endured a devastating tragedy when a car accident claimed the life of her husband, Abderrahmane Angaï, a prominent Moroccan official. Despite this profound loss, Ouarzazi’s determination did not waver. Demonstrating extraordinary courage and resolve, she personally approached King Mohammed V to request appointment to her late husband’s diplomatic post. The King’s approval of her request was a pivotal moment, not only affirming her capabilities but also setting a precedent for women’s participation in Moroccan diplomacy.
This act of resilience became the foundation of a career distinguished by breaking gender barriers and challenging traditional norms. Ouarzazi’s ability to transform personal adversity into professional opportunity exemplifies her strength and commitment. She emerged as a pioneering figure, inspiring countless women across Morocco, Africa, and beyond to pursue careers in diplomacy and international affairs.
Her journey from personal tragedy to becoming one of the first African women to hold high-ranking positions within the United Nations underscores the power of perseverance. Ouarzazi’s story is a testament to how determination and courage can overcome obstacles, making her a lasting role model for women striving to make their mark in diplomacy and global governance.
An enduring symbol of progress and empowerment
Halima Ouarzazi’s life and career embody the transformative power of diplomacy in advancing human rights, gender equality, and international cooperation. Her pioneering role as one of Africa’s first female diplomats in the United Nations, her leadership in combating racial discrimination and promoting minority rights, and her unwavering commitment to justice have left an indelible mark on the global diplomatic landscape.
The tribute paid by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the celebration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy underscore the continuing relevance of her legacy. As the world grapples with persistent challenges to human rights and gender equality, Ouarzazi’s example offers both inspiration and a blueprint for action. Her story reminds us that progress in diplomacy and human rights is often driven by courageous individuals who break new ground and open doors for those who follow.
