On this page, you will find:
To find organisations working for LGBTQI+ rights, visit our Morocco LGBTQI+ Resources page.
For Belarus country of origin information (COI) experts, reports, commentaries, and relevant documents visit our Morocco COI page.
Refugee protection
Click here to see the numbers and origins of refugees hosted by Morocco.
The following sections contain information on the most important international treaties and agreements of which Morocco is a signatory, as well as national legislation relevant to the protection of refugees.
Morocco has ratified the 1951 Convention on Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. In the July 2011 Constitution, the Kingdom of Morocco recognizes the primacy of international conventions ratified by them over domestic law, and establishes that non-nationals shall enjoy the same fundamental freedoms as nationals.
Morocco adopted a Royal Decree in 1957, agreeing on the modalities of application of the 1951 Convention. The Decree established an Office for Refugees and Stateless Persons (Bureau des Réfugiés et Apatrides, referred to as “BRA”) and an Asylum Appeal Instance within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The BRA is competent to examine asylum applications. However, in the absence of a national procedure regarding the application, the UNHCR’s office in Rabat is mandated to take on those claims.
Morocco’s national legal framework for refugees is governed by Law No. 02-03 on the Entry and Stay of Foreigners. It recognizes refugees based on the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol. The National Commission for Refugees determines refugee status. Temporary protection is provided during the process, and efforts are made to integrate recognized refugees. Morocco participates in regional initiatives to address migration and asylum issues.
Legal aid organisations
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Address: Angle Bd. Lieutenant Belhoucine et rue Gharnata, 60000 Oujda
Tel: +212 (0)5 36 68 67 50
Email: abcds.asso@gmail.com or hicham.baraka@gmail.com
Le programme « Migrations et Droits Humains » de l’ABCDS Maroc a pour mission : Fournir un soutien humanitaire d’urgence pour les migrants en situation de vulnérabilité, aux personnes entrantes sur le territoire marocain et aux personnes reconduites à la frontière; Offrir aux migrants un accès à l’information socio-juridique ; Accompagner et orienter juridiquement les migrants, réfugiés et demandeurs d’asile et faire valoir leurs droits ; Récolter les données et recueil des témoignages sur les violations des droits des migrants aux frontières maroco-algériennes ; Promouvoir les actions de sensibilisation et de plaidoyer au Maroc et en Europe sur les conséquences des politiques migratoires sur les droits des migrants.
Beni Znassen Association Moroccan for Culture, Development and Solidarity (ABCDS) is an association governed by Moroccan law, established inneighbourhoodune 12th, 2005 by a group of young activists. Among other programs, ABCDS leads a program of humanitarian and legal support to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in distress in the zone of Oujda and its neighbourhood. ABCDS is engaged alongside other associations, in the denunciation of the pitiful living conditions of the migrants in transit in Morocco and the important infringements of their rights and physical integrity from which they are victims as well in Morocco as during their crossing attempts towards Europe.
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Address: 2 rue Abou Faid al Masri, Quartier Gauthier, 20060 Casablanca, Morocco
Tel: +212 522 277 688 or +212 6 62 17 47 52
Fax:+212 522 228 286
Email: maud@droitetjustice.org or sofia@droitetjustice.org; jonah@droitetjustice.org; aminata@droitetjustice.org; louise@droitetjustice.org
Contact persons: Maud Depresle (Legal Aid for Refugees in Morocco Programme Coordinator), Rojovola Jonah Ratsimbazafiharijaona, Aminata Cisse, Louise Carlier
With the support of the Euro-Mediterranean Foundation of Support to Human Rights Defenders (EMHRF), the British Embassy in Morocco and the Arab Human Rights Fund (AHRF), the Association Droit et Justice launched in August 2013 a program of legal aid for asylum seekers in Morocco. Migrants in Morocco mainly come from sub-Saharan Africa. Some of them have had to flee their country after being persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or because they are members of a particular social group.
They are therefore eligible for asylum but do not have access to information on procedures for granting refugee status in Morocco. Those who apply for asylum are not assisted by a lawyer. This project aims to train a team of lawyers and jurists willing to invest voluntarily in legal aid for asylum seekers by being assigned one case per year under the supervision of Droit et Justice. In this way, lawyers will use the acquired theoretical skills to assist migrants in their application for asylum in Morocco. Of course, our association provides permanent legal support and ongoing training to volunteer lawyers and jurists. The issue has gained so much importance recently that the Moroccan authorities have decided to establish a national refugee status determination system. Until recently, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has been the decision-making body in this area.
Website
Email: znaidi2@gmail.com
Contact person: Ouiam Abderrazak
Email: ouiamnaj@yahoo.fr
RABAT
Address: 10, rue Ghana # 3, quartier Océan, Rabat (Ligne de bus : N° 56)
Tel: +212 (0)5 37 72 94 66
Fax: +212 (0)5 37 72 94 07
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–16:00
OUJDA
L’Organisation Marocaine des Droits Humains (OMDH), which translates to the Morocco Human Rights Organization, is a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) in Morocco that focuses on human rights issues. It was founded in 1988 and works to promote and protect human rights within the country.
OMDH conducts research, advocacy, and awareness-raising activities on a wide range of human rights concerns in Morocco. This includes issues related to civil and political rights, social and economic rights, gender equality, freedom of expression, torture prevention, migrant rights, and the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
The organization monitors and documents human rights violations, provides legal support and assistance to victims, and engages in dialogue and advocacy with government authorities and international bodies. OMDH also conducts training programs and campaigns to raise public awareness about human rights and promote a culture of respect for human rights in Moroccan society.
As an independent human rights organization, OMDH plays a significant role in monitoring the human rights situation in Morocco, advocating for legal and policy reforms, and striving to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights for all individuals within the country’s borders.
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Address: Appt N°1, Imm 6, Rue Aguensous, Av. Hassan II, Les Orangers (Près de Auto-Hall) Rabat, BP 1740 RP Rabat
Tel : + 212 03 77 30 961
Fax: + 212 03 77 38 851
Email: amdh1@mtds.com; elhaij_07@yahoo.fr
Contact person: Dr Aziz Rhali, President
The Association Marocaine des Droits Humains works to promote a culture of human rights through education and awareness-raising. It monitors human rights violations in Morocco and provides legal support for victims. AMDH is an independent NGO which promotes respect for all human rights by intervening with relevant authorities and responsible government officials to ensure the protection of persons concerned, justice for victims violated and respect for human rights as well as support for victims of violations.
The AMDH is a member of the Euromed Human Rights Network’s Migration and Asylum Working group.
Website
Address: 10, Avenue Mehdi Ben Barka – Souissi – Rabat – Morocco, BP : 10170, Rabat, Morocco
Mailing Address: 26, Avenue Tariq Ibn Ziad Hassan, Rabat, Morocco
Telephone: 212 5377 579 92
Fax: 212 5377 580 28
Email: Morra@unhcr.org
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) does not have a physical presence in Morocco; however, Morocco actively engages with the UNHRC as a member state, participating in council sessions, submitting voluntary reports, and participating in the Universal Periodic Review process. The UNHRC works in collaboration with other UN entities present in Morocco to promote and protect human rights in the country, fostering dialogue and cooperation with the Moroccan government and civil society organizations to uphold international human rights standards.
Organisations providing other support to refugees
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Address; Rue Ibn Mokla, n° 2 Quartier des Orangers. Rabat, Morocco
Tel: +212 53 77 07 080 or +212 53 77 06 081 or +212 53 77 37 165
Fax: +212 53 72 60 813
Email: ouidad.las@gmail.com
Contact person: Ouidad Lasfar
The democratic association of Women in Morocco –ADFM- is an autonomous, feminist, and non-profit NGO. Its principal objective is the promotion of women’s rights and strategic interests. ADFM is a member of the Euromed Human Rights Network’s Migration and Asylum Working group.
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Address: 29 rue Jbal Toubqal Appt.8 Agda Rabat 10000 Morocco
Tel: +212 37 68 69 14
Fax: +212 37 68 29 88
Email: amappe@mtds.com
Runs a socio-economic integration project in partnership with the High Commissioner for Refugees United Nations in Morocco. This creates micro income-generating activities.
Website
Address; Rue Ighilan, Quartier Essalam, Agadir, Morocco
Tel; + 212 (0)5 28 82 08 66
E-mail ; info@oumelbanine.com
L’Association Oum El Banine (OEB) works to support one of the most excluded groups in Moroccan society: unmarried mothers and their children.
Their main objectives are to prevent abandonment of the children, to support the mothers, to promote social reintegration in a familiar environment, to ensure legislation that protects the women, and to organise public awareness campaigns.
As such, they provide the following services: temporary lodging of the mothers with their babies, rehabilitation in a familiar environment, financial, medical and psychological assistance, legal and administrative support when needed, support in the search for employment and housing, material assistance for social reintegration (clothes, groceries etc.), placement of children in OEB’s daycare centre to make it possible for the mothers to work and support themselves and their children, a follow-up of the babies during their first three years, and education in family planning, birth control and information about sexually transmitted diseases.
Website
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Tel : +212 53 72 63 506
Email: information@euromedrights.net
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) is a network of human rights organizations and individuals working to promote and protect human rights in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
It was established in 1997 and is composed of over 80 member organizations from countries across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, including Morocco. EMHRN focuses on issues such as democracy, rule of law, freedom of expression, women’s rights, migrant rights, and the rights of marginalized groups. The network conducts research, advocacy, and capacity-building activities, and works to strengthen cooperation and dialogue among its members to advance human rights in the region.
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Address; Avenue des FAR – Commune de Yacoub El Mansour BP 3210 – Rabat
Tel: +212 (05) 37 79 36 37
Fax: +212 (05) 37 29 15 43
Présidente Fondatrice: Yasmina Filali
Email: yfilali.foo@gmail.com
Contact Persons: Rachid Badouli, Directeur Central
Email: rachid.badouli@fondationorientoccident.org
Nathalie Freige, Coordinatrice des centres
Email: DG@fondationorientoccident.org
Counselling, education, employment, and HIV/AIDS prevention for refugees and migrants.
The Fondation Orient-Occident, also known as the East-West Foundation, is a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Morocco. It was founded in 1994 to promote dialogue, understanding, and integration between different cultures and communities, particularly those from the East and West.
The foundation focuses on various areas, including education, vocational training, social support, and cultural exchange. It provides services and programs to migrants, refugees, and vulnerable populations, offering language classes, healthcare support, legal assistance, and empowerment initiatives.
The Fondation Orient-Occident plays a crucial role in fostering social cohesion, intercultural exchange, and the empowerment of marginalized communities in Morocco.
Website
Addresa: 78 avenue Allal Ben Abdallah, 3ème étage, n° 31 – 10000 Rabat
Tel: +212 (0)5 37 72 78 78
Email: contact@gadem-asso.org
Contact Persons: Sara Soujar, responsible for legal monitoring; Camille Denis, coordinator; and Stéphane Julinet
The organisation has a legal aspect for migrants in general without status discrimination. It is an advocacy organisation, and legal monitoring is not systematic (for lack of means) but a tool for understanding the violations suffered by migrants. We follow situations considered iconic (see our report).
Le volet Droit des étrangers du GADEM (groupe antiraciste d’accompagnement et de défense des étrangers), association marocaine constituée le 18 décembre 2006 dont le but est le respect effectif des droits des étrangers et migrants au Maroc, assure (dans la limite de ses moyens et des possibilités d’action) l’accompagnement et la défense juridiques des étrangers qui le sollicitent, indépendamment de leur statut (migrants, demandeurs d’asile, réfugiés, en situation administrative régulière ou irrégulière). Il n’offre pas d’autres services.
Website
Address: Eglise Notre-Dame de Lourdes, 1 Rond Point d’Europe, 20100 – Casablanca, Maroc
Tel: +212 527 719 321
Fax: +212 22 26 85 28
Email: international.office@jrs.net
Country Director: Ms Fanny Curet
‘Service Accueil Migrantes’ (SAM) project. The project assists migrants and asylum seekers. A crèche was provided for infants, with the women given the opportunity to take part in embroidery, hairdressing and handicraft lessons. Childcare classes and French and English language classes were also provided.
To dissuade the women from begging for money on the streets, they were encouraged to start ‘micro-projects’, where they could sell the items they produced with SAM in the local marketplace. By the year’s end, 55 women had taken on a ‘micro-project’.
A kindergarten was put in operation for minors, where they could take part in various educational activities, with the opportunity of picking up basic language, writing and mathematical skills.
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Address:Rue 26, Youssoufia; Est. Rabat
Tel: +212 66 17 92 423 or +212 53 76 57 121
Email: aettoussi@hotmail.com
In collaboration with UNHCR OPALS Maroc offers HIV/AIDS services for refugees and migrants: education and prevention (including information in refugees’ language); medical care, psychosocial services, and legal support from OPALS lawyers (legal helpline). 17 sections across the country although refugee services are concentrated in 3 major cities Rabat, Casablanca and Fes.
Website
Address: 11, Rue Ait Ourir « Pinède » Souissi, Rabat, Maroc
Tel: +212 (0)5 37 65 28 81
Fax: +212 (0)5 37 75 85 40
Email: iomrabat@iom.int
IOM is present in Morocco since 2001. Following the host agreement that was signed in July 2006 IOM Morocco mission officially opened in January 2007.
Morocco is not only a country of origin but also a transit and destination that deals with a complex and challenging context of migrations. In this context, Morocco made strides in improving its migration and integration policy by developing and implementing a National Strategy on Migration and Asylum (SNIA), launching two regularizations campaigns in 2014 and 2017, and developing a new counter-trafficking law (with IOM’s support), with pending laws on migration and asylum. IOM Morocco collaborates with the Moroccan government at the National and regional level, mainstreaming migration into national, regional and sectorial strategies, and assisting in its implementation.
IOM collaborates as well with UN agencies (leading the UN group on migration in the country), civil society organisations, universities and the private sector. The mission works closely with Moroccan government authorities, international government partners, United Nations agencies, civil society actors and local associations to address these issues and develop effective and successful projects.
Morocco LGBTQI+ Resources
Find organisations working for refugee LGBTQI+ rights in Morocco.
Morocco COI
Find Morocco Country of Origin information (COI) experts, reports, commentaries, and relevant documents.
We are always looking to expand the resources on our platform. If you know about relevant resources, or you are aware of organisations and/or individuals to include in our directories, please get in touch.
Last updated May 2023