UNICEF urges child-focused election pledges as poverty and school dropout persist

UNICEF urged Morocco’s political parties on August 17 to put children’s rights in their election platforms and keep them central to the work of the next Parliament and government ahead of the September 23 legislative vote.

Children account for one-third of Morocco’s population, making investment in health, education and protection a development priority, the UN agency said.

UNICEF cited progress over the past decade, including expanded social protection, health and education reforms and stronger child-protection laws. Major gaps persist, however, with 36% of children living in poverty in 2022 and 15% of children under five affected by chronic malnutrition.

Nearly 8,000 newborns die before reaching one month of age each year. More than 276,000 students left school during the 2024-2025 academic year, while about 103,000 children aged 7 to 17 were exposed to child labor in 2025.

UNICEF called for social protection extending beyond cash transfers, primary healthcare coverage and integrated mechanisms to prevent violence and identify vulnerable children. It said 9,948 children were recorded as victims of violence, including 40% subjected to sexual violence, while 9,750 child-marriage requests were filed in 2025.

Climate pressure also threatens children’s welfare. About 6.9 million children, or 58.6% of the total, face water-related risks, while 18% of rural children spend up to an hour daily collecting water.

UNICEF said the next government should reduce territorial inequalities, prevent school dropout, expand support for children with disabilities and make health, education and water infrastructure more resilient before the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals.