Strategies to eliminate child labor in Morocco: insights from the CESE

While Morocco has achieved significant milestones over the past twenty years, the issue of child labor continues to be a major concern for the nation. Although the number of minors involved in the workforce has plummeted by more than 80% since 1999, the practice persists, particularly within informal industries and hazardous environments. In response, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) convened in Rabat to present a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at the total eradication of this phenomenon.

Evaluating progress and public perception

During the presentation of the report titled “Towards an effective public policy for the eradication of child labor in Morocco,” the President of the CESE, Abdelkader Amara, shared findings from a citizen consultation. The data revealed that 78% of the 1,540 respondents believe that child labor remains a widespread reality in the country. This feedback has prompted the institution to scrutinize current public policies and identify more effective levers for change.

Abdelkader Amara acknowledged the legislative advancements already made by the Kingdom, such as the ban on labor for children under 15 and the gradual elimination of dangerous tasks for those aged 16 to 18. Official statistics highlight the impact of these measures: the number of working children aged 7 to 17 dropped from 517,000 in 1999 to approximately 101,000 in 2024.

“In 1999, over half a million children were working. By 2024, that number has fallen to around 100,000. This is a remarkable achievement that deserves recognition,” stated the CESE President. However, the council noted that while progress is undeniable, it is not yet sufficient to reach the goal of complete elimination.

Root causes and dangerous occupations

The CESE identified several structural drivers behind this issue, including the informal economy, poverty, and the socio-economic fragility of many households. Abdelkader Amara emphasized that a child’s rightful place is within the family, the school system, and spaces dedicated to education and socialization. He further noted that labor hinders a child’s physical, psychological, and educational growth, ultimately fueling social inequality and stalling societal progress.

Public observations offer a glimpse into where these minors are working. Approximately 27% of those surveyed see children working in public spaces, often as street vendors, car washers, or carrying heavy loads. More alarmingly, 22% reported more severe issues, such as organized begging, sexual exploitation, or involvement in drug trafficking.

Furthermore, the CESE highlighted that nearly six out of ten working children are engaged in hazardous activities, underscoring the urgent need for better prevention, monitoring, and protection systems.

Proposed reforms and strategic partnerships

To address these challenges, the institution recommends a significant overhaul of the Labor Code and an update to the 2010 decree regarding hazardous work prohibited for minors. A key proposal is to raise the minimum legal working age to 16, aligning it with the end of compulsory schooling to ensure better synergy between social and educational policies.

Finally, Abdelkader Amara noted the recent signing of a framework agreement between the CESE and the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE), which is chaired by Princess Lalla Meryem. This collaboration is designed to harmonize efforts between the two bodies to intensify the fight against child labor—a practice that the CESE President believes is inconsistent with the modern progress achieved by Morocco.