Country Profile of Morocco - International Bureau of Children's Rights

Some children were abandoned because of parental
divorce, desertion by one spouse or after being born to
single mothers. Even though Article 147 recognises filiation
through the mother, children born out of wedlock
are outcasts in Moroccan society, facing economic and
social marginalisation. 237
To date, information on children living in the streets is
based on the fieldwork of CSOs. No major study has yet
to be carried out. 238 It is estimated that there are between
4,000 and 5,000 children living and working in the streets
in Casablanca alone. These children face abuse, violence
and sexual abuse. According to a study on violence against
children, for example,
“street children and children
in conflict with the
law are the main victims
of torture and other cruel,
inhuman or degrading
treatment in Morocco.
When they are ‘rounded
up’, they face being kicked,
hit with a club, or burned
with cigarettes inside the
police precinct.” 239
In its Concluding Observations,
the Committee recommended
the Kingdom
establish a comprehensive
strategy to address the large
and increasing number of
street children with the aim
of protecting street children
and of preventing and
reducing this phenomenon.
The Committee called on
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the State to provide these children with basic services,
including vocational and life-skills training, and protection
and reintegration services when they are subject to
abuse. 240
Many activities have been implemented by the Government
and NGOs since the launch of the National Action
Plan for childhood in 2005. Unfortunately, the work lacks
coordination. 241 The Government in 2010 launched the
Indimaj program, aimed at eradicating the phenomenon of
children living or working in the streets. Child Protection
Units provide emergency assistance.
A happy bunch at a child support institution in Agadir participating in activities associated
with a Save the Children Spain Child Protection Project carried out with local partner
Bayt al Hikma. Courtesy of Save the Children Spain