Morocco cuts child labour by 59 percent since 2017

Morocco has made significant progress in combating child labour, earning international recognition for its efforts, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills Younes Sekkouri said on Monday in Rabat.

Responding to an oral question in the House of Representatives on child labour, Sekkouri said these advances stem from Morocco's longstanding commitment to children's rights, supported by royal initiatives and the direct involvement of Princess Lalla Meryem as president of the National Observatory for Children's Rights (ONDE). Since 2017, child labour has declined by 59%, reducing the rate to less than 1.3%.

The minister noted that around 100,000 children are still engaged in economic activities, mainly in rural areas where they contribute to supporting their families. In urban areas, the number of working children is estimated at between 20,000 and 23,000, underscoring the need to sustain ongoing efforts.

Sekkouri also recalled that Morocco successfully bid two years ago to host the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, an initiative that received broad international support.

He noted that the conference resulted in the adoption of the Marrakech Framework, an international reference document outlining key measures to combat child labour. According to the minister, the framework draws heavily on Morocco's experience, particularly in monitoring mechanisms, legislative reforms, child withdrawal programs and the ratification of international conventions.

The minister further highlighted Morocco's strategy of expanding universal preschool education and strengthening integration and vocational training initiatives, including the Tadaroj Programme, which targets 15- to 17-year-olds who have left school prematurely.