Remarkable Moroccan figures show a decline in child labor.

Written by: Ayman Ragab

Morocco has taken important steps in combating child labor, following international recognition, said Younes Sekkouri, Morocco’s Minister of Economic Integration, Small Businesses, Employment and Skills, on Monday in Rabat.

Child labor declines in Morocco

In response to an oral question in the House of Representatives regarding child labor, the Minister explained that these developments were achieved thanks to the royal policy in this regard, as well as the direct supervision of Princess Lalla Meryem in her capacity as President of the National Observatory for Children’s Rights. Since 2017, child labor has decreased by 591 TP3T, bringing the rate down to less than 1.31 TP3T.

He added that the number of children engaged in economic activities is approximately 100,000, the majority of whom live in rural areas where they support their families. He noted that the number of working children in urban areas ranges between 20,000 and 23,000, emphasizing the need to continue mobilization efforts.

The minister noted that Morocco submitted its request two years ago to host the Sixth World Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, an initiative that has received support from many countries.

Measures inspired by the Moroccan experience

The minister stressed that this conference was distinguished by the adoption of the Marrakech Framework, an international reference that specifies the measures that must be implemented to combat child labor.

He explained that all these measures are inspired by the Moroccan experience, particularly with regard to oversight, legislation, removing children from the labor market, and ratifying international agreements.

Scurry also highlighted the national approach based on universalizing pre-school education, as well as developing inclusion and training programs, such as the Tadaroog program for adolescents aged 15 to 17 who have left school prematurely.