New strategies to eliminate child labor in Morocco

While Morocco has made significant strides over the past two decades, the presence of minors in the workforce remains a pressing concern. Although the number of children engaged in economic activities has dropped by more than 80% since 1999, the practice persists, particularly within the informal sector and in hazardous environments. In Rabat, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) has released a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at achieving the definitive eradication of this phenomenon.

Assessing public perception and current progress

During the presentation of the report titled “For an effective public policy to eradicate child labor in Morocco,” CESE President Abdelkader Amara noted that 78% of 1,540 surveyed citizens believe the practice remains widespread across the country. This feedback prompted the institution to evaluate current public policies and propose more robust levers for action.

Amara highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements, specifically the ban on employment for those under 15 and the gradual removal of minors aged 16 to 18 from high-risk roles. Official statistics reflect the impact of these efforts: the number of working children aged 7 to 17 fell from 517,000 in 1999 to approximately 101,000 in 2024.

While this reduction is a major milestone, the CESE emphasizes that these advancements are not yet sufficient to reach the goal of complete eradication. The council identifies poverty, socio-economic vulnerability, and the informal economy as the primary structural drivers behind the issue.

The impact on child development

“The natural place for a child, after their family, is in school and spaces dedicated to socialization and education,” stated Abdelkader Amara. He reminded the audience that labor compromises a minor’s physical, psychological, and educational growth. Beyond the individual impact, this phenomenon fuels social inequality and hinders the overall development of society.

Survey results further highlight citizen observations. Approximately 27% of respondents reported seeing children working in public spaces, specifically in car washing, street vending, or carrying heavy loads. More alarmingly, 22% mentioned highly concerning activities such as organized begging, sexual exploitation, or involvement in drug trafficking.

Urgent recommendations for reform

The CESE report reveals that nearly six out of ten working children are engaged in dangerous activities, underscoring the urgent need for better prevention and control mechanisms. Key recommendations include:

• A comprehensive revision of the Labor Code.
• An update to the 2010 decree regarding hazardous work prohibited for minors.
• Raising the minimum working age to 16 to align with the end of compulsory education.

To strengthen these efforts, a framework agreement was recently signed between the CESE and the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE), which is chaired by Princess Lalla Meryem. This partnership aims to synchronize institutional actions to better protect children and prevent exploitation, ensuring that the Kingdom continues to advance its social protection standards.