Rabat – The number of refugees under the UNHCR’s mandate in Morocco has surged during the pandemic, jumping from 6,757 cases in January 2020 to 9,949 in September 2022.
Meanwhile, UNHCR data shows that the number of asylum-seekers tripled during the same period, reaching 9,488 on September 30. In total, Morocco has welcomed 18,934 people this year alone, including both refugees and asylum-seekers.
In Morocco, and across the globe, UNHCR works to protect the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers as well as supervise the registration and refugee status determination procedures. The agency aims to support those in need by facilitating their access to public services such as education and health care with the support of Moroccan authorities and civil society.
On October 13, the High Commissioner’s Office reported that the refugee and asylum-seeker communities in Morocco originated from over 43 countries with Syrian refugees topping the list with 5,357 registered cases.
Followed by Sudanese (1,505), Yemenis (1,176), South Sudanese (442), and Palestinians (258) also featured among the largest refugee and asylum-seeking communities originating from the Middle East.
As for those seeking refuge in Morocco from sub-Saharan regions, people mostly come from Guinea (2,769), the Ivory Coast (1,269), the Central African Republic (1,115), Cameroon (1,011), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (403).
Read Also: 52% of Migrants in Morocco Without Access to COVID-19 Vaccine
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the refugee and asylum-seeker population in Morocco has rapidly grown amid an emerging economic crisis which further reinforced their socio-economic vulnerability. Notably, women have been highly subjected to different forms of violence.
To address the gender violence issue, UNHCR launched a dedicated phone line for refugee and asylum-seeking women. As of September 30, the protection hotlines have received 555 calls.
The UN body further delivered 299 legal consultations on administrative support, legal proceedings, and civil matters that were carried out by the end of September.
In the same period, the office provided health assistance to 4,810 refugees and medicine to 640 refugees with chronic illnesses. Aiding children’s education it also enrolled 80% of refugee children in primary schools with the support of Foundation Orient-Occident, 48% of the children are girls.
While UNHCR operations in Morocco are instrumental in ensuring the protection and integration of two vulnerable populations, the office requested earlier this year $9.5 million to sustain its activities. However, 41% of the requested budget remains unfunded. This is likely to reflect on the quality of services provided to refugees and asylum seekers in Morocco.
