Rabat, October 18, 2025 – Over 2.5 million Moroccans are living in extreme poverty, according to recent reports, highlighting significant economic challenges within the nation. The situation has sparked widespread concern and calls for action.
A statement released by the Moroccan Association for Human Rights ( الجمعية المغربية لحقوق الإنسان ) indicates that in addition to those in extreme poverty, approximately 3 million more are considered vulnerable, struggling to meet basic needs. This situation has fueled public discontent, leading to demonstrations demanding improved living conditions and an end to what protesters describe as systemic issues.
The association’s statement, titled ‘Enough with Economic and Social Policies that Generate Poverty and Deprivation,’ coincided with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17th. The organization emphasized that poverty in Morocco is multi-dimensional, citing statistics from the 2024 national census conducted by the High Commission for Planning ( المندوبية السامية للتخطيط ).
The report underscores that a significant portion of those affected by poverty, around 82 percent, reside in rural areas, lacking access to essential services and infrastructure. These conditions have led to persistent protests throughout the year, often met with suppression and unfulfilled promises, as citizens express frustration with perceived discrimination and marginalization.
Ongoing youth-led protests, which began in late September, demand comprehensive economic and social rights, alongside a crackdown on corruption and the redirection of national resources towards essential needs rather than what are seen as extravagant projects. The Association for Human Rights insists that eradicating poverty and vulnerability requires addressing the root causes, including corruption and impunity for economic crimes. They advocate for a democratic system that respects the will of the Moroccan people and guarantees their right to self-determination in all aspects of life.
