Migrant and Refugee Rights in Morocco: Between Strategic and Exceptional Solution

Abstract

This paper aims to trace whether and to what extent the human rights dimension is incorporated into migration and asylum policies in Morocco and to observe the impact of these policies on the conditions of migrants and refugees in the country, as reflected in reports issued by government authorities and international organisations. Relying primarily on a descriptive analytical approach, it seeks to determine the degree to which programmes implemented from 2013 to 2023 fulfil human rights entitlements and to analyse the gap between the normative human rights framework and practice. The paper finds that ever-shifting migration policies have undermined the basic rights of migrants and refugees. The lack of an integrated strategy has fostered an ad-hoc approach to a vital issue which requires holistic, participatory planning that meets minimum human rights requirements. The study shows that the sustainable realisation of migrants’ rights cannot be achieved with piecemeal modifications of migration policies, but rather through the vigorous pursuit of equal rights for citizens and non-nationals, in line with Morocco’s constitution and its international obligations, while putting in place the necessary guarantees to balance internal and external needs in the management of migration and asylum affairs.