Rabat: The Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Morocco, François Reybet-Degat, praised on Friday in Rabat Morocco’s commitment to refugee rights, highlighting the Kingdom’s humanist and solidarity-based approach in this area.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, this approach, enshrined in the National Immigration and Asylum Strategy (NIAS) launched in 2013, has positioned Morocco as both a transit and host country for asylum seekers. Currently, the country hosts 18,463 refugees and asylum seekers from more than 60 countries, noted Reybet-Degat during a press conference in Rabat held on the occasion of World Refugee Day.

The Kingdom has established itself as a key player in managing migration flows in Africa and beyond. Reybet-Degat emphasized the close collaboration between UNHCR and Moroccan authorities to integrate refugees and asylum seekers into national education, healthcare, and employment systems.

“Morocco embodies a tradition of hospitality and openne
ss,” stated the official, commending the efforts made to ensure the inclusion of refugees in national initiatives.

On a global scale, Reybet-Degat noted that the number of forcibly displaced people has increased for the 13th consecutive year, reaching a record 123 million people, including 43 million refugees. This figure was 41 million in 2010 and has nearly tripled in just a decade, he pointed out.