Rabat: Morocco ought to be considered as “a strategic partner with which Europe is building a comprehensive, balanced, and sustainable migration policy,” within the framework of shared responsibility regarding a complex migratory phenomenon, said Belgian jurist Geoffroy Generet.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Generet emphasized that the European Union should not regard Morocco merely as a guardian of its southern border. He stressed that the concept of shared responsibility is crucial, as it would be unrealistic and unfair to expect Morocco to shoulder the burden of a phenomenon impacting countries of origin, transit, and European destination countries alike.
Generet recalled that Morocco is making significant efforts to combat irregular migration and human trafficking networks, efforts that the European Union must support sustainably. He noted that the Mediterranean should be seen as a space of shared responsibility rather than a border dividing two worlds and asserted that no single country can tackle irregular migration and the associated criminal networks alone.
He pointed out that the response should be a collaborative effort involving Morocco, Spain, Europe, and more broadly, Euro-African partners. Generet also highlighted Morocco’s considerable efforts through a continuous monitoring system by security services, demonstrating the country’s mobilization and commitment to addressing the complex phenomenon of migration.
Furthermore, he discussed the rapid evolution of migratory pressure, exacerbated by anonymous calls and misinformation on social networks. Generet deemed it essential to have a permanent monitoring system to anticipate risks and adapt arrangements swiftly, like the one implemented by Morocco, and called for recognition of the substantial effort this surveillance represents for the country.
He acknowledged that for many years, Morocco has taken on significant responsibility at one of the most sensitive migratory borders between Africa and Europe. The achievements of Moroccan services in preventing irregular migrant passage should be recognized by European partners.
Generet concluded by describing the commitment of Moroccan authorities to fulfill their obligations with firmness, responsibility, and legal compliance as particularly important. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders in the migration issue to adopt an approach that combines firmness, prevention, respect for the law, and the protection of individuals.