Manifesto against the repression of migrants during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco

With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, Migreurop is joining forces with the campaign ‘CAN yama CAN, the rights of migrants in Morocco?’ and, alongside civil society organisations and human rights defenders, is calling on the Moroccan State to fully respect the fundamental rights of exiled persons.

Respect for the rights of migrants in Morocco?

We, civil society organisations and human rights defenders, solemnly call on the Moroccan state to fully respect the fundamental rights of migrants and refugees present on its territory, both within the country and at its borders with neighbouring countries. Numerous reports documented by national and international organisations testify to the ongoing violence and other serious human rights violations, particularly during the most widely publicised tragic events, such as those that occurred in the border areas around Ceuta and Melilla in 2005 and 2022. Morocco also has a duty to protect, rather than harass, those who defend the rights of migrants and refugees, by guaranteeing their safety, independence and freedom of action. Violations of rights and the criminalisation of migration in general also affect Moroccan citizens, as demonstrated by the brutal and arbitrary procedures during mass attempts to cross the border, such as during the “migration crisis” of 2021 and its context of diplomatic tensions. Like the recent social protest movements (Hirak, 20 February), the attempts by young Moroccans and other African citizens to cross the border reflect a desire to escape marginalisation and undignified living conditions.

With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, Morocco must live up to its virtuous rhetoric and not merely focus on polishing its image. The CAN must not be a smokescreen or a public relations tool; it must serve to demonstrate a concrete commitment to breaking with the security-focused and hostile policies that dominate elsewhere, particularly in Europe. Morocco prides itself on being a leader on the African continent; it must be able to highlight the social, cultural and economic contributions of migration. The authorities have already used the Cup as an excuse to introduce new barriers for African citizens in the form of a special CAN e-visa.
Moroccan youth movements (Gen Z 212), which have been brutally repressed, recently denounced the kingdom’s policies, particularly in the areas of health and education, while public funds are being invested in preparations for the World Cup – with little prospect of improving the living conditions of the majority of Moroccans. The CAN must be an opportunity to denounce the violations of rights and shortcomings that affect all populations living on Moroccan territory – citizens of Morocco, other African countries and beyond who do not enjoy equal respect for their rights, particularly in terms of mobility.

We therefore call for tangible action, not just empty promises, from the Moroccan government. While progress has been made in recent years under the SNIA, the effects remain largely insufficient. We demand an end to arbitrary violence and forced displacement, as well as concrete progress on legislative promises, including the adoption of a genuine asylum law. A dignified migration policy must promote inclusion and justice, particularly for people from sub-Saharan Africa, and combat racism.

We affirm that the struggle of Moroccans for a better life is inseparable from the protection of the rights, dignity and lives of migrants on Moroccan territory. As long as the Moroccan state continues to fail to ensure the protection, dignity and rights of the people living on its territory, the motto of many young and old alike in Morocco will remain the same:

Koulchi Baghi lkhwi.

Join the campaign ‘CAN yama CAN, the rights of migrants in Morocco?’ by clicking here.