The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH), the largest NGO in Morocco, presented its annual report for 2023 in which it denounced an increase in racist behaviors towards migrant individuals in the country. The organization criticized the arrests and removals of sub-Saharan migrants attempting to approach coastal or border cities like Ceuta and Melilla in their bid to cross into Europe.
According to AMDH, the majority of irregular migrants in Morocco live from begging and lack residency or medical coverage. The association also highlighted the growing restriction of freedom of movement imposed by European countries on migrants, as well as the enforcement of strict immigration laws and mass deportations.
Furthermore, AMDH referenced a report from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) indicating that in December 2023, the number of refugees in Morocco reached 10,280, including 3,760 women. The organization also referred to UNHCR data on the death or disappearance of 2,500 migrants in attempts to cross by sea to Europe during 2023.
