Region: Africa
Disability Definition
Morocco adopted a definition that aligns with the United Nations Convention on Disability: “Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”
Reference: Ch_IV_15.pdf (ohchr.org)
Legislation
The Moroccan law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, and access to health care.
Morocco ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2019. Additionally, the Moroccan Constitution and Law 97-13 recognize the right of people with disabilities to seek equality in society, including employment.
Reference: Morocco – United States Department of State and People with Disabilities Face Employment Exclusion in Morocco (moroccoworldnews.com)
Employer Legal Requirements
“The Ministry of Family, Solidarity, Equality, and Social Development has responsibility for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and attempted to integrate persons with disabilities into society by implementing a quota of 7 percent for persons with disabilities in vocational training in the public sector and 5 percent in the private sector. Both sectors were far from achieving the quotas.”
Reference: Morocco – United States Department of State
Accessibility Requirements
According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2020 report on Human Rigts Practices in Morocco, despite legislation passed in 2003 “most public transportation is inaccessible to persons with disabilities, although the national rail system offers wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and special seating areas. Government policy provides that persons with disabilities should have equal access to information and communications. Special communication devices for persons with visual or audio disabilities were not widely available.”
Cultural Norms
“Despite the efforts made, numerous challenges persist in terms of social acceptance, access to services, and promotion of inclusive social participation. These obstacles primarily stem from social stigmatization, deeply ingrained discrimination, and widespread lack of awareness regarding a rights-based approach to disability by a significant portion of the population. In response to these issues, UNDP Morocco is resolutely committed to strengthening the capacities of PWDs, providing them with the opportunity to be more autonomous and independent in their daily lives.”
Business Practices/Examples
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“Recent statistics from the High Commission for Planning (HCP), which is the national statistical office, reveal that in Morocco, 727,833 people live with a disability, representing 5.5% of the population.”
Supplier Diversity
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Humanity & Inclusion has a presence in Morocco. As one of the only international NGO’s, they are working to support the development and implementation of inclusive public policies for people with disabilities.