Morocco's General Population and Housing Census for 2024 has officially counted 1.73 million persons with disabilities, representing 4.8% of the total population. The data, published by the High Commission for Planning (HCP), provides a crucial statistical baseline for evaluating policies and planning future support services.
Since the country's independence, the approach to disability has evolved from a charitable model to one increasingly focused on rights and inclusion. Key milestones include the 1982 law on social protection and the more recent 2016 framework law (Law 97-13), which aims to promote the rights and integration of persons with disabilities into social, economic, and political life.
Despite these legal frameworks, significant challenges remain. The census data is instrumental for identifying gaps in accessibility, education, and employment. Advocacy groups continue to call for the full implementation of existing laws and for more robust public policies to combat discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.
