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The Economic, Social and Environmental Council of Morocco has called for a more effective public policy to eliminate child labor, advocating a zero-tolerance approach for the employment of children under 16. This urgent stance comes amid ongoing challenges in protecting children’s rights as the nation grapples with persistent socioeconomic factors.
Context: A Commitment to Child Rights
In a recent session held in Rabat, council president Abdelkader Amara highlighted Morocco’s progress in child protection, spurred by ongoing legislative and institutional reforms under royal directives. Despite this, the issue of child labor remains significant, particularly in hazardous occupations and domestic work, which require renewed attention and proactive measures.
Declining Numbers Yet Persistent Issues
Amara reported a stark decline in the number of working children aged 7 to 17, dropping from 517,000 in 1999 to roughly 101,000 in 2024—a reduction exceeding 80%. However, certain forms of child labor, including organized begging and exploitation, persist, driven by socioeconomic vulnerabilities and high dropout rates from education. An analysis of a recent citizen consultation involving over 1,540 participants underscored the necessity for additional support for fragile families.
Strategic Partnerships for Child Protection
The council also pointed to its partnership agreement with the National Child Rights Observatory, signed on March 30, to establish a collaborative framework aimed at strengthening child protection mechanisms. Karima Mekika, a council member, reported alarming statistics: 87% of working children are out of school, with 70% engaged in agricultural labor predominantly in rural areas.
Addressing Exploitation and Human Trafficking
Mekika warned that human trafficking constitutes one of the gravest forms of child exploitation, citing 102 cases reported in 2025, which identified 93 child victims. These concerns highlight the urgent need for systemic change.
Recommendations for Change
In light of these challenges, the council proposed several key measures to combat child labor. Recommendations include raising the legal minimum working age to 16, enhancing labor inspection mechanisms, and ensuring that support for vulnerable families is contingent on children’s educational and vocational engagement. Moreover, the establishment of a special legal framework for apprentices aged 16 to 18 is essential to ensure their legal and social protections and access to quality training.
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Morocco’s Economic and Social Council calls for a zero-tolerance policy on child labor, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms amid ongoing socioeconomic challenges.
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Morocco takes a bold stand against child labor, advocating for a zero-tolerance policy to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
