Morocco’s Human Rights Defenders Mobilize: Sit-ins to Protest Worsening Living Conditions and Eroding Freedoms

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | December 8th, 2024 — In a country grappling with mounting socio-economic challenges, Moroccan human rights organizations have called for nationwide sit-ins to mark December 10, the World Human Rights Day. These protests aim to spotlight the deteriorating conditions of daily life, widespread restrictions on fundamental freedoms, and growing discontent with the government’s handling of critical issues.

The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH), with active chapters in cities like Nador and Oujda, has confirmed its participation in these demonstrations. These sit-ins will serve as platforms to denounce escalating unemployment, soaring living costs, decaying social services, entrenched corruption, and systemic violations of civil liberties.

A Nation in Crisis: Economic and Social Turmoil

The calls for action come amid a backdrop of alarming economic instability. Unemployment rates continue to rise, placing a heavy burden on Moroccan households. The unchecked inflation has eroded purchasing power, while social services—ranging from education to healthcare—face persistent neglect and underfunding. Protest organizers emphasize that these worsening conditions reflect a failure to prioritize the well-being of Moroccan citizens.

Adding to the tensions, the Moroccan Forum for Human Rights has urged widespread participation in a major sit-in set for December 10 in Casablanca. This event coincides with the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and seeks to amplify grievances regarding the nation’s rights record.

Eroding Rights Amid Legislative Overreach

In a strongly worded communiqué, the Forum criticized the government’s unilateral legislative policies that undermine principles of participation, pluralism, and governance enshrined in Morocco’s Constitution. The Forum condemned the tightening grip on individual and collective freedoms, including the suppression of civil and political rights, and denounced attempts to implement laws that further marginalize citizens.

Particular concern has been raised about proposed reforms to the civil and penal codes, as well as changes to labor and social protection laws. Human rights advocates argue that these legislative moves lack transparency and disproportionately harm vulnerable segments of society.

A Call for Unity Against Government Inaction

In Rabat, the Moroccan Coalition of Human Rights Organizations plans to lead a major demonstration in front of Parliament. The Moroccan Commission for Human Rights has echoed calls for a “massive” turnout, underscoring the need for a united front to counter what it describes as the government’s disregard for its commitments.

The Commission’s statement also criticized the systematic closure of dialogue channels between the government and civil society, labeling such actions as blatant violations of the principles of accountability and rule of law. Furthermore, it condemned the increasing reprisals against human rights defenders, characterizing them as a direct affront to lawful advocacy and freedom of expression.

Defiance in the Face of Suppression

These protests, held in conjunction with World Human Rights Day, provide a critical opportunity for Moroccans to voice their dissatisfaction with the current state of governance. The demonstrators seek not only to highlight the struggles of daily life but also to demand a reversal of policies that exacerbate inequality and restrict freedoms.

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