From the ancient streets of Morocco to the global platforms of peace advocacy, Zakaria El Hamel’s journey embodies the power of youth-led change. In a candid conversation from his home in Morocco, the founder of Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures shares his story with Young and Diplomatic, revealing how personal experiences shaped his mission to transform society.
His childhood occurred during Morocco’s “Years of Lead”—a dark period marked by state oppression and forced disappearances. These experiences, combined with his father’s human rights work, propelled him to act. He is also an entrepreneur and a Law Graduate. Since launching his organization in 2005, El Hamel’s initiatives have gained global attention, receiving recognition from the Nobel Prize Alternative and Public Peace Prize panels.
In this interview, El Hamel opens up about his daily work with Moroccan youth, his strategies for human rights advocacy in North Africa, and his blueprint for peace. Through practical examples and lived wisdom, he paints a vivid picture of Morocco’s social evolution while lighting the way for future change-makers.
Your early exposure to human rights activism through your father deeply shaped your path. How did those experiences inspire you to establish Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures in Morocco?
My early exposure to human rights activism through my father profoundly influenced my life and career. Growing up in a family committed to social justice, I witnessed firsthand the struggles against oppression and the importance of equality and religious diversity. My father’s activism instilled in me a strong belief in the universality of human rights and the necessity of fostering understanding among different cultures.
These formative experiences inspired me to establish Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures in 2005. I aimed to create a platform where young people from various backgrounds could come together, engage in dialogue, and serve their communities. My organization promotes peace, equality, and justice by encouraging cooperation among youth from different religions and cultures, reflecting my vision of a more inclusive society.
My commitment to these ideals is evident in my ongoing work, which seeks to empower young people as change-makers and advocates for human rights. I am leading a movement in my native Morocco to bring human rights awareness throughout the country as it emerges from decades of oppressive government rule, which included the use of torture and forced disappearances.
This period, known as “The Years of Lead,” was marked by state violence and repression targeting political dissidents and pro-democracy activists. During this time, dissidents were arrested, tortured, imprisoned, executed, and even forcibly “disappeared.”
Growing up and witnessing these injustices, I began to think seriously about becoming an advocate for peace and human rights to make human rights a reality in Morocco.


How have Morocco’s cultural diversity and evolving political and social landscape influenced your approach to engaging youth in peacebuilding and human rights advocacy?
Morocco’s rich cultural diversity and its evolving political and social landscape have significantly influenced my approach to engaging youth in peacebuilding and human rights advocacy.
Located in the northwestern corner of Africa, just 10 miles from the shores of Spain, the Kingdom of Morocco is one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in Africa. From the snowcapped peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the sweeping dunes of the Sahara, Morocco has it all—including more than a thousand miles of Mediterranean and Atlantic coastline. It is a country with European and Arab influences, a powerful and popular monarch, and a strong Islamic foundation.
In stark contrast to neighboring nations like Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, Morocco has remained relatively terror-free; it’s the last safe haven in North Africa. This can be attributed to it being one of the most tolerant Muslim nations and to its increased security cooperation with Spain, France, and the United States to combat global terrorism. Yet, the threat of extremism remains, as evidenced by the more than 2,000 Moroccans Interpol claims have been recruited by the Islamic State group (IS) to fight in Iraq and Syria, and the hundreds more who have joined IS in Libya.
This reality makes our work even more critical. For almost two decades, I have dedicated myself to creating a culture of tolerance and understanding by instilling an awareness and appreciation of human rights.
My approach is rooted in practical engagement with youth through community service projects that address local needs while promoting human rights education. I collaborate with various organizations, including religious leaders from different faiths, to host events like World Interfaith Harmony Week, which fosters dialogue among different religious communities. This collaborative effort not only enhances understanding but also empowers young people to take an active role in peacebuilding within their communities.


What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered while promoting human rights awareness in Morocco, and how have you overcome them?
I have faced numerous challenges while promoting human rights awareness in Morocco, reflecting the country’s complex socio-political environment. Human rights activists in Morocco often face harassment, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and restrictions on freedom of expression. The government tends to view human rights advocacy as a threat to its authority. Many activists have been subjected to defamation and false accusations.
Despite Morocco’s cultural diversity, there exists a conservative mindset resistant to discussions about human rights, especially regarding the universality of human rights as understood in Western countries.
Additionally, high youth unemployment rates contribute to a sense of hopelessness, making it challenging to mobilize young people around human rights issues. Many prioritize immediate economic concerns over long-term advocacy.
To address this, I focus on educating youth about their rights through workshops and seminars. By partnering with organizations like Youth for Human Rights International and providing resources, I empower youth to understand and advocate for their rights.
To counter cultural resistance, I emphasize interfaith dialogue to foster understanding among different religious communities. By bringing together diverse groups, I aim to create a culture of tolerance and respect, facilitating discussions about human rights.
Community service projects also connect human rights advocacy with tangible community benefits, making the cause more relatable and impactful. By collaborating with civil society organizations and international bodies, I have strengthened my advocacy efforts and broadened the impact of my work.
I continue to navigate these challenges with resilience and a steadfast commitment to fostering peace and understanding among Morocco’s youth.

Your work has earned global recognition, including nominations for the Alternative Nobel Prize and the Public Peace Prize. How have these acknowledgments influenced your advocacy efforts?
Receiving prestigious nominations has strengthened my credibility as a human rights and peace activist. This recognition has brought greater visibility to my work with Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures, enabling me to engage more effectively with young people and communities across Morocco.
International recognition has also facilitated partnerships with various organizations, both locally and globally. I’ve been able to collaborate with NGOs, educational institutions, and government bodies that share similar goals. These networks provide valuable resources and amplify the impact of my projects.
Awards like the Public Peace Prize motivate me and my organization to continue advocating for peace and human rights despite the challenges we face. This acknowledgment inspires me to innovate and expand initiatives to remain impactful.
Increased recognition has also allowed me to focus more on educational programs that promote human rights awareness. I use my platform to advocate for comprehensive human rights education in schools, aiming to instill values of tolerance, respect, and understanding from an early age.
These accolades provide a platform for me to address broader human rights issues on international stages, sharing Morocco’s challenges and seeking global solidarity and support.

How do you see the role of youth evolving in shaping Morocco’s future, particularly in advancing peace and human rights initiatives?
I envision youth playing a pivotal role in shaping Morocco’s future, especially in advancing peace and human rights initiatives. The younger generation is essential for driving social change and fostering a culture of tolerance and understanding.
Education is foundational to empowering youth. Through workshops and community programs, I aim to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for their rights and the rights of others. This approach encourages critical thinking and active engagement in societal issues.
I also advocate for intercultural dialogue to bridge divides among Morocco’s ethnic and religious groups. Involving youth in discussions and collaborative projects fosters mutual respect and understanding, which is critical for peace.
My vision includes creating a global movement of young advocates for peace and human rights. I aim to inspire Moroccan youth to connect with their international peers, sharing experiences and strategies for promoting human rights. This global perspective strengthens their understanding and fosters cross-border solidarity.

As a global Ambassador for Peace, how do international partnerships and collaborations strengthen your mission in Morocco and beyond?
My role as an Ambassador connects me with a diverse network of organizations and individuals committed to peace and human rights. This network enhances my ability to mobilize resources, share best practices, and gain insights from global experiences. Collaborating with international NGOs and human rights groups allows me to amplify my message and reach a wider audience.
As a member of MENA (Middle-East & North Africa) 2050, we agreed on a declaration and vision for the region in 2050, as well as concrete steps to achieve a better future for the next generations. Our vision focuses on 20 domains such as healthcare, climate change, food and water security, education, media, and more. We offer projects to transform the region through broad regional development. Our mission is to drive a positive mindset and promote regional development through policies and projects.
International recognition through awards and partnerships lends credibility to my organization’s initiatives. Being associated with well-respected global organizations helps legitimize my work in Morocco, encouraging local stakeholders, including government entities, to engage with my programs more seriously. This credibility is vital for fostering trust among communities that may be skeptical of human rights advocacy.
Through international partnerships, I can draw attention to specific human rights issues in Morocco on a global scale. By participating in international forums and discussions, I raise awareness about local challenges such as extremism and social injustice, thereby attracting support and solidarity from the global community.
International partnerships enable my organization to develop sustainable peace initiatives that can be maintained over time. By aligning with global peace movements and leveraging shared resources, we ensure that our programs are not only impactful but also enduring, contributing to long-term stability in Morocco.
My position as a global Ambassador for Peace significantly enhances my ability to promote human rights and peace initiatives in Morocco, fostering a more peaceful society.

What advice would you give young people across the globe who want to create meaningful change in their communities?
You’ve heard the adage, “Youth are the leaders of tomorrow.” But truthfully, young people are leaders today. I encourage youth to remain resilient and persistent in their efforts, even when faced with obstacles. Determination and commitment are essential qualities for anyone looking to make a difference.
As future custodians of the planet, young people have become a driving force for societal change through social mobilization—pushing for climate action, seeking racial justice, promoting gender equality, demanding dignity for all, and making human rights a reality.
I encourage young advocates to stand up for peace and human rights in this turbulent world. There is much to be done in the global fight for human rights, and youth participation is critically important to achieving sustainable development and positive social change.
I believe that young people can become effective agents of change, contributing to a more peaceful and just society both locally and globally.