Morocco: 1,597 migrant-trafficking networks dismantled between 2021 and 2025
Morocco has dismantled 1,597 criminal networks linked to migrant trafficking and human trafficking between 2021 and 2025. 988 victims were officially identified over the period.
Human trafficking in Morocco: five-year review and 1,597 networks dismantled
Approximately 1,597 criminal networks specialising in migrant trafficking and human trafficking were dismantled between 2021 and 2025, announced Hicham Mellati on Thursday in Rabat, director of criminal affairs, pardons and crime observation at the Ministry of Justice and president-coordinator of the National Coordination Commission for measures to combat and prevent human trafficking (CNCLT). According to telquel.ma, these figures were presented as part of the national report on the Kingdom of Morocco's efforts in combating this phenomenon.
Over the same period, 536 cases related to human trafficking were recorded, Mellati specified. Proceedings were brought against 816 individuals, 774 were convicted, and 988 victims were officially identified.
The director emphasised that these five years were marked by significant structural transformations of the national system. The first phase, covering 2021 and 2022, focused on consolidating institutional structures and intensifying international technical cooperation. A pivotal step was then taken with the adoption of the National Plan to Combat Human Trafficking for the period 2023-2030, accompanied by a strategic implementation plan covering 2023-2026.
Mellati also emphasised that the report reflects the interconnection between different components of the national response and records progress in combating this crime, which is complex in nature.
Aicha El Iklil, magistrate attached to the office of the Public Prosecutor (PMP) and responsible for the Human Trafficking Case Monitoring Unit, highlighted the efforts of the PMP as a member of the CNCLT. These efforts focus on strengthening the skills of prosecutors specialising in this field through targeted training and field visits to countries with recognised experience.
El Iklil also indicated that the PMP is working on developing a practical guide on human trafficking, the publication of which is expected soon. This guide will complement an existing tool dedicated to identifying child victims of trafficking.
Abdelouahed Al Atir, representative of the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights, described the report as an important milestone, considering it as evidence of Morocco's commitment to respecting its international obligations in this matter. He noted that this journey illustrates the determination of the Kingdom to combat this phenomenon and mitigate its impacts.
The report falls within the remit of the CNCLT, as defined by article 7 of law No. 27.14 relating to combating human trafficking. It also responds to Morocco's international commitments, particularly under the Palermo Protocol additional to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime.
The 142-page document is structured around an introductory section dedicated to the legal and institutional framework, and five thematic pillars: prevention and awareness-raising, prosecution and judicial repression, victim protection, partnerships and international cooperation, training and capacity-building. A statistical annex completes the document.
Source: Google News MA — Crime (fr)