Progress and challenges in ending child labor in Morocco

Despite Morocco’s notable progress over the past two decades, child labor remains a pressing issue in the country. While the number of minors engaged in economic activities has plummeted by over 80% since 1999, the problem persists, particularly in informal sectors and hazardous work environments. The Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) has taken up this critical challenge and unveiled a new report in Rabat outlining a roadmap for its complete eradication.

Public perception and structural challenges

In a recent survey conducted as part of the CESE’s citizen consultation, 78% of the 1,540 respondents expressed strong concerns that child labor is still widespread across Morocco. This alarming perception prompted the institution to assess existing public policies and propose innovative solutions to address the issue more effectively.

The Council’s report highlights Morocco’s achievements, including the legal prohibition of child labor for those under 15 and the gradual elimination of dangerous work for minors aged 16 to 18. Official figures confirm the impact of these measures: the number of children aged 7 to 17 engaged in economic activities dropped from 517,000 in 1999 to approximately 101,000 in 2024—a reduction of over 80%.

“In 1999, more than half a million children were working. By 2024, that number had fallen to around 100,000—a remarkable achievement,” noted the CESE president. However, he emphasized that these gains, while significant, have not yet eliminated child labor entirely.

Root causes and societal impact

The CESE identifies deep-rooted factors fueling child labor, including the informal economy, poverty, and widespread socio-economic vulnerability among families. “A child’s natural place, after their family, is in school and in spaces that foster growth, socialization, and education,” stressed the president.

Child labor not only harms physical, psychological, and educational development but also perpetuates social inequalities. “It deprives children of the harmonious upbringing and education they deserve and undermines the progress of Moroccan society as a whole,” he added.

Survey responses revealed that 27% of participants frequently encounter child labor in public spaces, such as street vending, heavy load carrying, and vehicle washing. Another 22% reported disturbing trends, including organized begging, child exploitation, and involvement in drug trafficking.

Worryingly, the CESE reports that nearly six out of ten child workers are exposed to hazardous conditions, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention, monitoring, and protection measures.

Policy recommendations for a lasting solution

The Council’s report calls for key reforms, including updating the Labor Code and revising the 2010 decree that bans dangerous work for minors. It also recommends raising the minimum working age to 16 to align with the end of compulsory education and ensure consistency between educational and social policies.

A recent framework agreement between the CESE and the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE), chaired by Princess Lalla Meryem, aims to enhance coordination between the two bodies. This partnership seeks to intensify prevention, protection, and enforcement efforts, ensuring that child labor becomes a relic of the past in a nation that has made remarkable strides in development.