The Moroccan Association for Human Rights, specifically its branch in Marrakech, has made shocking revelations regarding what it describes as a "systematic campaign" of demolition and forced eviction targeting the residents of the Youssef Ben Tashfine military neighborhood (between Lqchali). The association has urgently called for an immediate halt to these operations and for accountability of those responsible for what it considers egregious violations of fundamental constitutional rights.
The human rights statement did not hold back in its criticism, asserting that the ongoing situation transcends a mere urban development project, escalating to the level of "forced displacement" of individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation, including war veterans, retired military personnel, widows, and their dependents. These individuals now face the imminent threat of loss and exclusion, starkly contrasting with previous assurances of restructuring without displacement.
Furthermore, the association reported that the neighborhood is experiencing a catastrophic situation across all levels, where the remnants of the demolitions have created a fertile environment for diseases and crime. This is happening amidst an almost total absence of essential services such as sanitation, waste collection, and street lighting, which endangers the health and safety of the residents, particularly children, women, and the elderly.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the organization revealed an "administrative siege" affecting families, which manifests in depriving students of essential documents like national identity cards. This deprivation prevents them from taking their baccalaureate exams and enrolling in educational institutions, while also delaying the issuance of diplomas for trainees. The association views this as a direct assault on the right to education and legal identity.
The organization has leveled explicit accusations against elected officials and local authorities for accelerating the pace of demolitions instead of protecting the residents. They argue that the current situation serves the interests of "real estate lobbies" at the expense of social rights, highlighting what they describe as "institutional complicity" that exacerbates the crisis and reveals profound mismanagement of the issue.
The association is calling for a transparent judicial investigation and accountability, alongside an immediate response to the residents' demands, which primarily include stopping the evictions, resuming property ownership rights, and integrating the neighborhood into the urban fabric of the city while involving the local population in crafting solutions.
Moreover, the association warns that the continuation of this situation "exposes the hypocrisy of social protection slogans" and entrenches realities of poverty and marginalization. They urge the state to intervene urgently to halt what they describe as a "social and humanitarian hemorrhage" that threatens the dignity and stability of citizens.
As reported by maghrebtimes.ma.
