Morocco has witnessed a significant decrease in the number of child marriages in recent years. Data from the Ministry of Justice shows a decline from 26,298 cases in 2017 to 8,955 in 2024.
This decline reflects the success of legal and awareness-raising efforts aimed at curbing the phenomenon and protecting children’s rights. However, the continued registration of thousands of cases annually keeps the issue open for public and human rights debate. Despite positive national indicators, data reveals a strong presence of this practice in rural areas compared to cities. In 2021, over 15,000 applications were recorded in rural areas compared to 6,283 in urban areas. This disparity continued in 2024, with 11,325 applications in villages versus 4,100 in cities.
These figures show that rural areas continue to produce the most applications for child marriages, reflecting the phenomenon’s link to specific socioeconomic conditions. Observers believe the continued prevalence of child marriage in rural areas is due to several factors, including poverty, economic fragility, a lack of awareness of children’s rights, and sometimes the influence of customs and traditions.
Despite official efforts, further reducing the phenomenon requires comprehensive public policies that include strengthening education in villages, providing economic support to families, and intensifying awareness campaigns to protect children’s rights and ensure they grow up in an environment that offers them opportunities for growth and free choice.
