Morocco is grappling with escalating crises that expose the failure of the Makhzen’s policies to address economic and social challenges, alongside a surge in human rights violations. Living conditions for citizens continue to deteriorate due to the absence of effective strategies to tackle mounting issues.
The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) warned of the ongoing decline in living standards, driven by drought exacerbating small farmers’ struggles without government support, coupled with soaring prices, economic stagnation, and rising unemployment and poverty. The association condemned the authorities’ demolition of homes and displacement of residents without social consideration or alternatives, noting that poor infrastructure and neglected housing have led to disasters, with recent rains causing flooding and collapses in cities like Casablanca and Rabat.
In areas hit by the Al Haouz earthquake (September 8, 2023), AMDH reported dire conditions threatening residents’ health and safety due to inadequate protective measures. On the human rights front, it denounced increasing repression of activists and defenders, criticizing unfair trials and calling for an end to arbitrary policies. It urged the government, Interior Minister, and parliamentary leaders to honor Morocco’s UN human rights commitments and halt discrimination.
The association also highlighted the ongoing seizure of indigenous lands for influential and foreign entities, a blatant violation of property rights that entrenches exclusion and marginalization.
Meanwhile, the Moroccan Union of Consumer Protection Associations slammed the government’s inability to curb unprecedented price hikes, attributing the economic crisis to irresponsible policies that worsened exploitation and citizens’ suffering. It accused the government of colluding with economic lobbies, losing control over prices—especially in vital sectors like food and fuel—where unjustified increases persist without effective oversight, leaving citizens prey to speculators.
Addressing the fuel sector, the union labeled the continued shutdown of the “La Samir” refinery an economic crime against Moroccans, allowing companies to dominate prices unchecked. It warned that the deepening economic and social crisis could spark widespread public outrage, urging urgent action to curb the chaos and rescue citizens from this stifling ordeal.
