Princess Lalla Meryem launches national mechanism to end child labor in Morocco

Princess Lalla Meryem has launched the National Mechanism for the Eradication of Child Labor (DNETE) in Rabat. Under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, the initiative was introduced by the National Observatory for Children's Rights (ONDE) to provide individualized support for children, covering their identification, removal from labor, and subsequent reintegration into society.

The mechanism includes economic support for families starting from the day a child is withdrawn from work. It aims to improve coordination between public institutions and contracted associations, addressing previous gaps through continuous monitoring and sector-specific interventions. The system relies on provincial cells managed by the Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills.

Despite an 80% decline in child labor since 1999, the issue remains a challenge. According to 2025 data from the High Commission for Planning, approximately 103,000 children aged 7 to 17 are engaged in labor in Morocco. This represents 1.3% of that age group, with a higher prevalence in rural areas (2.4%) compared to urban centers (0.5%).