The situation

Morocco is a country on the northern coast of Africa and, due to its geographical location, is a transit area for many migrants and refugees from sub-Saharan Africa. Following the recent tightening of border controls in the European Union, many have chosen to stay in Morocco, viewing it as safer and more stable place than their home countries.

In turn, this has led to a tightening of border controls and increased large-scale crackdowns on migrants and refugees. Resultantly, these vulnerable people live in a state of high stress and often in extremely precarious situations.

The number of migrants arriving in Morocco has increased dramatically since 2017. Thousands of people are stranded in the country, being moved from region to region, with little access to shelter, healthcare and basic provisions.

Our work

Our international network runs an established programme in Morocco, with a focus on helping women, minors and infants, and knew that the 2017-18 winter period would be extremely difficult. In response to this seasonal spike, we developed and implemented a three-month project that supported more than 8,500 migrants.

We provided 1,040 migrants with health consultations, screenings, and help to access public services. We also distributed 7,577 hygiene kits and training on how to use them, set up shelters, and distributed food parcels as well as other essential items.

For the most vulnerable – including pregnant women, mothers with new-born babies, and unaccompanied children – we arranged for safe housing and further support to help them through the winter.