Rabat – As Morocco prepares for its 2026 legislative elections, UNICEF has issued a formal appeal urging political parties to integrate children’s rights into their electoral programs and prioritize children’s well-being in the work of the next Parliament and government.
Emphasizing that decisions made today will shape the country for decades, UNICEF noted that although children do not vote, they make up nearly one-third of Morocco’s population, and investing in them is central to long-term development.
Persistent challenges despite progress
According to the call issued Monday, Morocco has made significant progress in advancing children’s well-being over the past decade, particularly through expanded social protection and structural reforms in health and education. However, UNICEF warned that major gaps continue to prevent many children from fully enjoying their rights.
Nearly 8,000 newborns die in Morocco before reaching one month of age each year, according to UNICEF. The agency also reported that more than 276,000 students dropped out of school during the 2024 – 2025 academic year, around 103,000 children aged 7 to 17 are engaged in child labor, and approximately 6.9 million children face growing risks linked to water stress and climate change.
Highlighting persistent socioeconomic vulnerabilities, UNICEF policy briefs show that 36% of Moroccan children lived in poverty in 2022, while nearly 15% of children under five suffered from chronic malnutrition, posing serious risks to early childhood development.
On child protection, UNICEF Morocco reported 9,948 child victims of violence, with sexual violence accounting for 40% of cases. The organization also cited 9,750 child marriage applications in 2025, while an estimated 29,000 minors come into contact with the justice system each year.
Education and health remain central concerns
As part of its appeal, UNICEF also released a series of concrete proposals outlining recommendations across key areas affecting children, including education and health.
On education, the agency called for a national system to prevent school dropouts, including wider use of the Ministry of Education’s Massar digital platform to identify students at risk early and allow faster intervention.
The agency also recommended expanding support for vulnerable students, improved school infrastructure, and stronger technical and vocational pathways, particularly for children at risk of leaving the education system.
On public health, UNICEF called for stronger maternal and neonatal care, wider access to integrated primary and community healthcare, and measures to strengthen the health workforce.
Social protection and climate risks drive the agenda
The proposals also emphasize stronger social protection, better access to essential services, and sustained investment in social workers, alongside local mechanisms to identify risks such as violence, school dropout, child marriage, and child labor before they escalate.
Highlighting the need for a more integrated approach to social inclusion, UNICEF called for coordinated support to vulnerable families, combining direct financial assistance with access to healthcare, education, and essential social services.
Addressing growing climate pressures, UNICEF urged Moroccan policymakers to prioritize children in national climate strategies, noting that 58.6% of children, nearly 6.9 million, face water-related risks. In rural areas, 18% of children spend up to an hour each day collecting water, a burden that can interfere with schooling and other daily activities.
