Rabat: On Instruction of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem, the National Observatory for the Rights of the Child (ONDE) is launching, on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labor, a national awareness campaign to reinforce the mobilization of all citizens for the protection of children and their rights, guided by the conviction that no child should be subjected to labor.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, this campaign forms part of the ongoing commitment led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, to the protection of children and the promotion of children’s rights, as stated in a press release from the ONDE.
Child labor is a violation of children’s fundamental rights, primarily their right to education, protection, and development, a guaranteed by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which Morocco has ratified. In recent years, significant progress has been made, with a decrease of 8.2% compared to 2023 and 59.1% compared to 2017, thanks to joint efforts from government and non-governmental institutions, on-the-ground actors, and all stakeholders mobilized around this important cause.
Morocco has affirmed its commitment on the international stage by becoming a Pioneer Country of Alliance 8.7 and by hosting the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor in Marrakech, where ONDE actively participated by placing children at the center of the discussion. Nevertheless, nearly 101,000 children aged 7 to 17 are still involved in economic activity, representing a rate of 1.3% (according to data provided by the HCP in 2024), of whom 62,000 are exposed to hazardous work, and 87.7% have dropped out of school, making child labor one of the leading causes of school dropout in our country.
Inspired by situations observed in daily life, several short videos to raise awareness about child labor have been produced by ONDE. These clips shed light on realities sometimes ignored or trivialized and invite everyone to reflect on the role to play in protecting children and safeguarding their rights. The first video will air starting June 12, 2026, on ONDE’s national channels and digital platforms, with additional videos to follow in June on social media. At the same time, ONDE is launching a series of nationwide training sessions for community liaisons in partnership with the INDH to build families’ capacity to protect their children.
Through this campaign, ONDE reaffirms its commitment to a society where every child is protected, listened to, and supported, as behind every labor situation is first and foremost a child. A child who must go to school. A child who must play and dream. A child who must build their future. Child protection is a collective responsibility: All citizens can report, anonymously and free of charge, any situation that violates children’s rights by calling 2511, ONDE’s toll-free number, by visiting the 2511.ma platform, or through the designated app.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), child labor refers to activities that deprive children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity, and that compromise their education, health, and physical or psychological development. Under the effective Presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem, ONDE has been working for 31 years to promote, protect, and empower children. ONDE carries out its work through several key mechanisms and programs, including the 2511 Helpline-the first helpline for children in Africa-the Children’s Parliament, a platform for children’s participation, and the National Child Psycho-Trauma Device (DNPTE). Through its awareness-raising, advocacy, prevention, and support efforts, ONDE contributes to reinforcing children’s rights and promoting their best interests.