U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Morocco

Morocco (Tier 2)

Morocco is a country of origin and transit for trafficked persons. Internal trafficking of girls for domestic servitude as child maids primarily from rural areas to cities is widespread. Internal trafficking of women for purposes of sexual exploitation is also reported. Some Moroccan men and women looking for work in Europe and the Middle East as domestic servants or in the hotel or construction industry are reportedly put into situations of coerced labor, drug trafficking, or sexual exploitation. There are also unsubstantiated reports that some who transit from sub-Saharan African countries through Morocco to Europe may be trafficked.

The Government of Morocco does not yet fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. Although the Moroccan government has begun to address the problem of trafficking in persons, it is constrained by lack of resources. No law specifically prohibits trafficking; however, the government utilizes a number of other statutes to prosecute traffickers. Moroccan police and security services have broken up numerous clandestine emigration and prostitution rings. There have also been a few cases of employers of child maids being prosecuted for abusive behavior. There is evidence of low-level corruption by police, immigration, and border officials, to permit the movement of clandestine emigrants who may become trafficking victims. The government has difficulties monitoring its long borders. Regarding protection of victims, the government has made only minimal efforts. The government does not provide assistance to victims transiting through Morocco. As are other illegal immigrants en route to Europe, trafficked victims are detained, jailed, or deported. They are often prosecuted for violation of immigration laws. Moroccan authorities have assisted child maids who have fled abusive employers and women forced into prostitution. The government does not provide direct funding to foreign or national NGOs offering services to victims of trafficking; however, it does provide in-kind support. The government provides teachers and social workers to assist NGOs working with child maids. The government also provides offices to the International Labor Organization's International Program for the Elimination of Child Labor, which is working on the child maid problem. In terms of prevention, the government supports programs aimed at keeping children in school, improving educational opportunities for girls in rural areas, and expanding economic opportunities in high-risk areas. Together with an international organization, the government supports an ongoing publicity campaign highlighting the plight of child maids.