Children are at risk
There are over 11 million children under the age of 14 in Morocco. Many children are affected by increasing poverty and neglect. Although Morocco has taken important steps in the area of child protection, thousands of children continue to face difficulties in their daily lives. Child trafficking and high rates of child poverty and illiteracy, especially in rural areas, are major problems.
54%
Of people living in rural areas consider themselves poor
Rural poverty
Although not to the same extent as in many neighbouring countries, poverty in Morocco does exist. It is predominantly a rural phenomenon.
Over recent years, there have been noticeable improvements, but the gap between urban and rural areas has widened.
54.3% of those living in rural areas considered themselves poor in 2014, overall more people than a decade earlier.
121st
Out of 198 countries in the ranking of the HDI
Human rights
Although the human rights situation in Morocco has improved over recent years, freedom of the press is still limited. Today, the country ranks 121st in the United Nation’s Human Development Index (HDI), which placed the country in the medium category of human development. Recent constitutional reforms have improved provisions on human rights. However, further reforms are needed to ensure that these provisions are implemented.
78%
Of Moroccan women between 15 and 65 are unemployed
Women at work
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in unemployment as many people lost their jobs. Employment conditions worsened particularly in regions with more informal and vulnerable work sectors. Women experienced the sharpest increase in unemployment rate from 9.2% in 2019 to 12.3% in 2020.
Historically, women already had low participation in the labour market: 78.4% of women between 15 and 65 years old are neither employed nor looking for a job.
Together we can make a difference for children in Morocco
140
Children and young people
Are supported on their way to independence
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Jamila and Farah are excited to learn how to use laptops for school assignments. SOS Children’s Villages cooperates with education authorities, schools and community organizations. Together they ensure free and equitable access to quality education that equips children with values and skills (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Morocco).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe, by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives