Despite recent declines, child labor continues to pose a significant crisis in Morocco. In conjunction with the activities surrounding World Day Against Child Labor, the National Observatory for Children's Rights in Morocco has launched a 'National Awareness Campaign on the Risks of Child Labor', aimed at safeguarding the rights of these vulnerable children. This initiative, which will run throughout June, reaffirms the Observatory's commitment to fostering a society where every child’s dignity is upheld, their voices are heard, and they are enveloped in care and attention. The Observatory emphasizes that 'behind every instance of child labor lies a child who belongs in school, a child with the right to play and dream, and a child who deserves to build a future.'
Child labor is a blatant violation of children's fundamental rights, including their right to education, protection, and development—rights guaranteed by the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Morocco is a signatory. According to the International Labour Organization, child labor encompasses activities that deprive children of their childhood and dignity, adversely affecting their academic progress, health, and both physical and psychological development. In recent years, there has been noteworthy progress, evidenced by an 8.2% decrease in child labor compared to 2023 and a staggering 59.1% reduction since 2017. This achievement is attributed to the collaborative efforts of governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations, field actors, and all stakeholders involved in this critical issue, as noted in a statement from the National Observatory for Children's Rights on the World Day, which was observed on June 12.
However, despite these efforts, around 101,000 children aged between seven and seventeen remain victims of child labor, engaging in economic activities. This represents a concerning rate of 1.3%, according to data from the High Commission for Planning (a governmental institution) for 2024. Among these children, 62,000 are exposed to hazardous work, while a staggering 87.7% have dropped out of school, highlighting child labor as a primary contributor to the phenomenon of school dropout in Morocco.
Child labor affects approximately 138 million children worldwide, who toil under harsh and perilous conditions. In light of these statistics, the National Observatory for Children's Rights in Morocco is banking on audiovisual materials to raise awareness about the dangers of child labor, drawing inspiration from real-life scenarios. These materials aim to shed light on realities that may often be overlooked or underestimated, encouraging everyone to reflect on the role they can play in protecting children and preserving their rights. These audiovisual resources will be broadcast on national television channels and the digital platforms of the National Observatory for Children's Rights throughout June.
Additionally, the Observatory is set to launch a series of nationwide training sessions targeting community actors, in partnership with the National Initiative for Human Development, aimed at empowering families to protect their children. In a comment on the launch of this campaign, Najat Anwar, president of the 'Do Not Touch My Child' organization, praised the initiative, stating that child labor is 'a gross violation of human rights charters and international agreements, a silent crime that deprives children of their constitutional right to education and healthy development, thus placing them in harsh working environments that heighten their risk of economic, physical, and sexual exploitation.'
Anwar further stated that 'all governmental sectors and institutions must adopt the prudent approach taken by the National Observatory and work towards implementing its provisions through sustainable strategic plans, ensuring that these awareness campaigns are continuous throughout the year rather than being mere temporary initiatives.' She emphasized the necessity of strictly enforcing labor law provisions and imposing deterrent legal penalties on violators, alongside supporting impoverished families to curb school dropout, ultimately leading to a Morocco that is entirely safe and free from child labor.
In recent years, Morocco has been actively combating child labor through legal enhancements aimed at aligning with international labor standards, reducing child labor below the legal age, and improving working conditions for those aged between 16 and 18 by prohibiting them from engaging in work that jeopardizes their health and safety. The country has also implemented strategies to strengthen the legal framework, intensify labor inspection efforts, support projects by organizations working against child labor, and enhance international cooperation in this critical area.
As reported by alaraby.co.uk.
