‘Aunt Aziza’: the Moroccan Activist Defending Immigrants’ Rights

Aziza Sahli is a Moroccan immigrant, who has spent years working on migration issues and founded the association “Hope for the Future'' in Spain. The activist was given the name “Khalto Aziza” (Aunt Aziza) in recognition of her benevolence, humanitarianism, and dedication to resolving the issues posed by illegal immigration.

Rabat- Aziza Sahli is a Moroccan immigrant, who has spent years working on migration issues and founded the association “Hope for the Future” in Spain. The activist was given the name “Khalto Aziza” (Aunt Aziza) in recognition of her benevolence, humanitarianism, and dedication to resolving the issues posed by illegal immigration.

Hope for the future was founded in 2012 in the city of Malpica de Tajo in the province of Toledo (Spain). The organization is dedicated to defending African immigrants’ rights and facilitating their integration in Spain.

The organization provides them with assistance and support, with special priorities given to Moroccan children as well as illegal immigrants.

Sahli’s association is also focused on fighting violence against women, enhancing their independence, and empowering them, as well as supporting and helping those who find themselves in difficult social circumstances.

The activist stated to Moroccan News Agency (MAP) that the association’s primary goal was to give a voice to Moroccans living in Spain. Through the association, they can receive help defending their rights and interests, and have their abilities and skills noticed to facilitate their integration in Spain.

Remarkable contributions

Undocumented immigrants experienced some of the worst hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic, including exposure to infection, unemployment, and difficulty accessing healthcare services.

Aunt Aziza came to the rescue in Spain, where she reportedly managed to help more than 900 immigrants.

Sahli was honored in 2020 with a letter of appreciation and respect from Spanish King Felipe VI, in which he expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Hope for the Future association for its outstanding efforts in aiding immigrants during the pandemic.

The Moroccan activist was honored with a diplomatic certificate from Morocco’s Consulate General in Spain in 2022.

In a statement expressing her joy, Sahli said, “Today, as President of an association concerned with community affairs in Spain, I was honored with a certificate of appreciation by Mrs. Saloua Bichri, the Moroccan consul in Tarragona, Lleida, and Aragon in Spain.’’

The activist noted how she shares her achievement with “those that accompanied her in her twenty years of giving and dedication.”