Morocco: Migration Issue Should Be Addressed In Comprehensive And Hamanist Manner

PERSISMA, Rabat (September 9, 2013) – The thematic report on the situation of migrants and refugees in Morocco was submitted to HM King Mohammed VI by the national human rights council (CNDH), in accordance with article 24 of the Dahir (Royal decree) creating the council and with its prerogatives as outlined by articles 13 to 17, says a release of the Royal office.

The report recalls that “Morocco has always been a country of emigration and a land of immigration and highlights Morocco’s long tradition as an immigration and host country as a result of its longstanding ties with Sub-Saharan countries”. It also explains the national and international legal framework regulating foreigners in Morocco, particularly the constitution that guarantees the principle of non-discrimination, the right of asylum and equality of rights between nationals and foreigners and makes recommendations, after an analysis of ongoing mutations related to migrants and refugees, the release goes on.

King Mohammed VI took note of the CNDH relevant recommendations and reiterated conviction that the migration problematic, object of legitimate concerns and sometimes of controversies, should be addressed in a comprehensive and humanist manner, in keeping with the international law and within the framework of renovated.

In fact Morocco, a traditional country of immigration, today converted into a country of transit due to the strong migratory pressure it receives from the sub-Saharan population, in the face of failure in the fight against clandestine migration, the countries of the European Union show a will to externalise the question and make the countries of transit assume the responsibility of controlling the phenomenon. Morocco , became a “victim” of sub -Saharan migratory pressure, transparently manage the migration issue in accordance with the principles of the rule of law and in strict compliance with its national legislation, the Minister delegate for Foreign Affairs and cooperation, Mr. Youssef Amrani told the BBC.

Following the release on Wednesday by the London-based TV channel of a report made in Morocco by Paul Mason, editor of the business section of BBC Newsnight about the management of migration by Morocco Amrani made ​​Thursday, the necessary clarifications to many unfounded allegations contained in the report.

These clarifications have been made to establish the truth about the great efforts made ​​by Morocco in the management of this ”sensitive and complex” issue in the relationship between Europe and Africa.

Amrani said on this subject, that Morocco has become ”a destination default” for migrants, due to the strict measures taken in the area of ​​control of European borders, adding that the Kingdom is ”firmly committed to manage its borders and readmission procedures in full compliance with the multiple dimensions of migration : the development and respect for human rights.”

Morocco has ratified international instruments on human rights, including the conventions on children and migrants, and is committed to implement in the framework of its legislation national, continued the Minister.

He recalled that the Kingdom has also established a ”roadmap“, which encompasses all aspects of migration including legal migration, the fight against illegal immigration, as well as political, diplomatic judicial and institutional migration.

The efforts deployed by Moroccan authorities to promote the rights of migrants and their integration have led to many positive results, as evidenced by the presence on the Moroccan territory of more than 8,000 African students, including a majority with scholarship granted by Morocco.

He noted that many migrant workers are legal in Morocco, which is also coupled to institutionalize procedures for applying for refugee status in its national legislation and that, in strict compliance with its international commitments.

In April 2013, the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has awarded a total of 891 refugee status in Morocco which are strictly protected under Moroccan law, noting that under these statistics, it is important to ask the question ”why is it that these claims are filed in Morocco, a country that shares no border with a country in conflict?“ As part of its program of voluntary readmission to countries of origin, Morocco has funded the return of some 14,000 irregular migrants, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

While acknowledging the timely financial support of the European Union, granted in 2006, the impact remains to this day. A comprehensive strategy of border control will not work if all parties are not committed to jointly fight against illegal immigration.

A report issued by Center Jacques Berque for the Development of Human and Social Sciences (CJB) and the International Cooperation South South highlighted the growing interest of African immigrants in Morocco as a destination rather than as a stop on their way to European countries, especially Spain. According to the report, most African immigrants decide to stay in Morocco after having already failed several times to cross to Europe. The study explained that unlike in Europe, African workers find relative stability in Morocco especially since they target strenuous jobs Moroccans generally avoid like in the construction sector. They also choose jobs that do not require legal paperwork.

Morocco is deploying giant efforts, on its own, to resolve this tragic human situation but it would be more convenient and less time consuming if other European concerns parties join effectively those efforts to elaborate a comprenensive strategy to put an end to this human situation.