While Morocco has seen significant improvements over the last twenty years, the issue of child labor continues to be a major concern. Although the number of minors engaged in economic activities has dropped by more than 80% since 1999, the practice persists, particularly within informal markets and hazardous environments. The Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) recently addressed these challenges in Rabat, presenting a detailed set of recommendations aimed at permanently ending the practice.
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 highlighted that a vast majority of citizens still view the problem as widespread. A recent consultation involving 1,540 participants revealed that 78% believe child labor remains a common sight across the country. This feedback has prompted the council to re-evaluate existing policies and identify new avenues for intervention.
President Amara acknowledged the Kingdom’s legislative strides, including the strict prohibition of employment for children under 15 and the gradual phase-out of dangerous tasks for those between 16 and 18. Official statistics underscore the success of these measures; the number of working children aged 7 to 17 plummeted from 517,000 in 1999 to approximately 101,000 in 2024.
The path to zero child labor
“In 1999, over half a million children were working. By 2024, that figure has reached around 100,000. This represents a monumental effort that deserves recognition,” stated the CESE president. However, the council maintains that while the progress is undeniable, the ultimate goal of total eradication has not yet been achieved.
The CESE identifies structural issues such as the informal economy, poverty, and socio-economic instability as the primary drivers. Abdelkader Amara emphasized that a child’s rightful place is in school and educational environments, rather than the workforce. He further noted that labor at a young age stunts physical and psychological growth, fuels social inequality, and hinders the nation’s overall development.
Addressing hazardous conditions and informal sectors
Citizen feedback points to visible child labor in public spaces, with 27% of respondents noticing minors involved in street vending, heavy manual labor, or car washing. More alarmingly, 22% reported more severe forms of exploitation, including organized begging, sexual abuse, or involvement in the drug trade. Currently, nearly six out of ten working children are engaged in tasks classified as dangerous, highlighting an urgent need for better protection and stricter oversight.
Legislative reforms and institutional partnerships
To combat these issues, the CESE advocates for a comprehensive revision of the Labor Code and an update to the 2010 decree regarding hazardous work. A key proposal is to raise the minimum legal working age to 16, aligning it with the end of compulsory schooling to ensure consistency between social and educational policies.
Furthermore, a new framework agreement has been established between the CESE and the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE), which is chaired by Princess Lalla Meryem. This partnership is designed to streamline prevention and protection efforts. As Abdelkader Amara concluded, such a phenomenon is inconsistent with the modern progress Morocco continues to achieve on the global stage.
