Politics

Morocco's 2024 Census Reveals Disability Data, Highlights Policy Gaps

Morocco's 2024 census shows 1.7% of the population has a disability, with new data informing ongoing policy challenges.

Image from hcp.ma

Image: hcp.ma

Morocco's High Commission for Planning (HCP) published initial results from the 2024 General Population and Housing Census (RGPH) in late 2025, providing updated statistics on disability. The data indicates that approximately 1.7% of the Moroccan population, or around 630,000 individuals, reported living with a disability. This figure offers a crucial baseline for assessing social policies, though experts note it may underrepresent the true prevalence due to varying definitions and reporting.

Historically, public policy on disability in Morocco has evolved since independence, leading to the establishment of specialized institutions and the adoption of a national disability strategy. A significant milestone was the 2016 Framework Law 97-13 on the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, which aimed to promote inclusion and accessibility. However, implementation has been gradual, with advocacy groups consistently calling for more robust enforcement and resource allocation.

The new census data is expected to inform the ongoing evaluation of these policies. Key challenges that persist include barriers to education, employment, and physical accessibility. International reports, including those from human rights organizations, continue to highlight gaps between legal frameworks and the lived experiences of many Moroccans with disabilities, emphasizing the need for sustained action and monitoring.

📰 Original source: hcp.ma Read original →
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