Skouri Calls from Marrakech for a Bold Approach to Eradicate Child Labor as the Rate Drops Below 1.3%
Younes Skouri, Minister of Economic Integration, Small Enterprises, Employment, and Skills, has called for a shift from technical approaches to a “bold” strategy that prioritizes the eradication of child labor within public policies, ensuring a secure future for children and communities. He emphasized that the rate of child labor in Morocco has dropped to less than 1.3%.
During his opening speech at the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor held today in Marrakech, Skouri affirmed Morocco’s commitment, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, to an inclusive approach based on prevention, protection, legislation, and field intervention.
He explained that the societal project, according to the royal vision, is based on viewing childhood not only as a developmental phase but as a valuable capital and a foundation for a society that enshrines human rights and reinforces social justice.
The government official noted that the efforts made have led to tangible results, with the number of working children decreasing by about 60% between 2017 and 2024 and by approximately 30% between 2021 and 2024, bringing the current rate to below 1.3% of all children.
Skouri pointed out Morocco’s ratification of essential international agreements, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, ILO Convention No. 138 concerning the minimum age for employment, and Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labor, highlighting the alignment of national legislation with these commitments. He also noted the adoption of a legal framework for the protection of domestic workers and a law to combat human trafficking.
The minister stressed the importance of continuing to enhance these achievements through the development of social policies, expanding social protection, supporting vulnerable families, ensuring access to education, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms, all within the framework of a close partnership with civil society and all stakeholders.
The Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor, organized under royal patronage until February 13, brings together representatives from governments, social partners, international organizations, and civil society, with the aim of evaluating the progress made since the Durban Conference in 2022 and strengthening international cooperation and coherence of public policies at national, regional, and global levels.
