A/HRC/21/3 balance of powers, the guarantees to entrench the independence of the judiciary and to upgrade it to a real power, the principles and rules of active and responsive citizenship, the promotion of good governance and linking responsibility with accountability. 16. The new Constitution provided for advanced regionalization, starting with the Southern Provinces, allowing the local population to manage their own affairs and enhance local democracy, as a prelude to the implementation of the autonomy statute proposed by Morocco as a political solution to the Sahara dispute. 17. Pursuant to the Constitution, Morocco witnessed in November 2011 legislative elections which were fair, free and professionally organized, according to national and international observers. As a result, a new House of Representatives was elected and a new Head of Government appointed from a political party which used to be in the opposition, in a democratic and political alternation. 18. With a view to enabling Morocco to have a coherent, modern and effective national human rights system, the institutional framework responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights was reinforced. The Advisory Council on Human Rights was upgraded to a National Human Rights Council, with a stronger mandate and as a real redress mechanism with more action through regional mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights. The Mediator Institution was set up and replaced the Diwan alMadalim (Ombudsman), with broader protection and proposal-making mandate to improve the performance of administration and public facilities. Many bodies have been constitutionalized and the National Commission for International Humanitarian Law and the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights was created. 19. Taking into account the role of the judiciary in the protection of freedoms and human rights, the Government with the support of the King has given particular attention to the reform of justice with all its components. In order to boost this project, a high instance in charge of organizing a national dialogue on a thorough and profound reform of the justice system was set up. All the parties concerned participate in this dialogue with a view to elaborating and adopting a national chart for justice. 20. Great efforts have also been made to better manage penitentiary institutions and improve their situation, in such a way as to ensure human dignity therein and increase the opportunities of training and reintegration of prisoners into society. The fact that these institutions are open to the visits of national human rights institutions has improved the situation and humanization of prisons. 21. In order to capitalize on the national gains in the areas of freedom of opinion and expression, a broad national debate on freedom of media and publishing has been launched. Morocco has also experienced broader exercise of the right of assembly and demonstration, in a context of pure political openness and democracy build-up. 22. Despite the challenges and difficulties facing the national economy due to the global economic crisis and the slowing growth of the economies of many countries worldwide, Morocco continued to fulfil its obligations arising from the implementation of economic, social, cultural and environment rights. 23. Considering the cultural diversity of Morocco, several constitutional gains have been achieved with regard to the enjoyment of cultural rights. The Amazigh language is considered as an official language of the State and a shared heritage belonging to all Moroccans, and a national council for languages and Moroccan culture is provided for. In addition, Morocco ensured that its efforts are enhanced to integrate the Amazigh and Sahrawi Hassani cultures in the areas of education, training, media, communication and cultural creativity. 5