A report released jointly by the International Association of Minorities, the Voice of Amazigh Women organization, and the Tamayno Association said Morocco’s legal framework aimed at addressing racial discrimination is “strong.” But the report underscores the persistent impact of “societal discrimination against immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa and black Moroccans.”
The report emphasizes that Morocco’s constitution explicitly prohibits all forms of racial discrimination, violence, and hatred, while also safeguarding the rights of non-citizens. The nation has clear laws in place to penalize such behaviors. Despite these legal provisions, black individuals within the Kingdom still contend with racist treatment and offensive language and expressions.
According to the report, most black Moroccans reside in the southern regions of the country. Due to the absence of official statistical data categorized by race and ethnic origin, it is estimated that they constitute approximately 10 percent of the total population.
The report extensively documents the existence of derogatory expressions directed at black Moroccans and immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa within Moroccan society. Terms such as “slave,” “khaddam,”persist, exacerbating issues related to immigration, which have become increasingly complex.
Since the onset of the pandemic, Sub-Saharan migrants have been unfairly portrayed as dangerous criminals and disease carriers. An online campaign advocating their expulsion for the sake of protecting the population had gained traction.
the International Association of Minorities has pointed out that discrimination against migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa disproportionately affects women.
They often face exploitation and deprivation of essential rights, including access to medical care and bureaucratic processes. Many children among these migrant communities experience arbitrary arrests and relocation to other cities.
The report highlights a notable delay at the parliamentary level regarding the ratification of the 1951 Convention concerning the Status of Refugees.
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