Morocco
As of early 2026, Morocco’s human rights landscape is marked by a significant "revolving door" of progress and repression. While King Mohammed VI issued landmark royal pardons for several high-profile journalists in late 2024, the state has recently launched a sweeping crackdown on new social justice movements, particularly the youth-led "GenZ 212" protests.
The following are the key human rights issues in Morocco today:
1. Freedom of Assembly and the "GenZ 212" Crackdown
In late 2025 and early 2026, Morocco experienced a surge of protests led by youth groups calling for public health and education reform.
Lethal Force: International bodies (ICJ and Amnesty) reported that security forces used excessive force during these protests, resulting in at least three deaths in cities like Oujda and Lqliâa.
Mass Arrests: Authorities arrested approximately 2,100 people in connection with the demonstrations. As of early 2026, nearly 1,000 remain in detention, including hundreds of minors.
Criminalization of Dissent: Protesters have been charged with vague offenses such as "insulting public authorities" and "obstructing public roads."
2. Press Freedom: Pardons vs. New Restrictions
The media environment is currently in a state of flux following a mix of royal clemency and new legislative barriers.
Royal Pardons: In July 2024, the King pardoned prominent journalists like Omar Radi, Suleiman Raissouni, and Taoufik Bouachrine. While welcomed, these journalists reportedly face "civil death"—legal and professional restrictions that prevent them from fully resuming their work.
The "National Press Council" Controversy: In January 2026, a new law regarding the National Press Council was criticized by groups like Article 19 for consolidating government control over the body responsible for issuing journalist credentials.
Cybercrime Laws: Authorities continue to use the Penal Code and Cybercrime laws to prosecute digital creators. In September 2025, activist Ibtissame Lachgar was sentenced to 30 months for "harming Islam" via a social media post.
3. Women’s Rights and "Moudawana" Reform
Morocco is currently debating a major overhaul of the Moudawana (Family Code), which has not seen significant updates since 2004.
Draft Reforms: The 2025–2026 draft aims to grant women equal rights in child custody and guardianship after divorce and to strictly limit child marriage exemptions.
Persistent Gaps: Critics note the reforms still fail to address inheritance inequality (where women receive half of what men do) or the decriminalization of extramarital relationships.
Abortion: A near-total ban remains in place, with prison sentences for both women and providers. Activists estimate hundreds of clandestine, unsafe abortions occur daily.
4. Western Sahara: A Human Rights "Black Hole"
The disputed territory of Western Sahara remains highly restricted for independent monitoring.
Surveillance and Harassment: Sahrawi activists (such as those from ISACOM) report constant surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and physical assaults by Moroccan security forces.
International Silence: Human rights groups criticize the "wall of silence" around the territory, noting that international media and UN observers are frequently denied access to occupied cities like El Aaiún.
5. Migrant and Refugee Rights
Morocco is a critical partner in the EU's migration management, which has led to controversial enforcement tactics.
"Safe Country" Status: In February 2026, the European Parliament added Morocco to its list of "Safe Countries of Origin," a move that fast-tracks the rejection of Moroccan asylum seekers in Europe.
Internal Relocation: Moroccan authorities continue the practice of "forced internal relocation," where migrants and refugees are rounded up in northern cities (near the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla) and bused to remote southern regions, often without legal process.
UNHCR Partnership: On a positive note, Morocco continues to work with the UNHCR to integrate refugees into national health and education systems under its National Strategy for Immigration and Asylum (SNIA).
6. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Criminalization: Article 489 of the Penal Code still criminalizes "lewd or unnatural acts" between individuals of the same sex, punishable by up to three years in prison.
Social Persecution: In addition to state prosecution, the LGBTQ+ community faces frequent "digital outings" and smear campaigns, often fueled by pro-government media outlets.