Mission Morocco

The 2007 parliamentary elections in Morocco were part of the national democratisation process which has been underway for several years. Numerous economic and social reforms have started and the tourist and property sectors have developed. However, poverty, unemployment and difficulties with access to safe drinking water and to healthcare are still real problems for the rural population. The country must also deal with the issues of sub-Saharan migrants and caring for the victims of the ‘Years of Lead’.

Project 1 :

Supporting survivors of torture - Casablanca

Activities :

As part of the programme of medical care for the victims of mass repression during the Years of Lead, MdM has continued its activities:

• supporting a Casablanca health centre, set up by the medical association for the rehabilitation of victims of torture;
• organising five workshops providing training on psycho-trauma;
• organising a series of exchanges encouraging the creation of a network for taking care of victims throughout Morocco.

In spring 2007, the right to access medical care for victims and their dependents has been approved
by the government, proving the importance of MdM’s involvement in this programme.

Outlook :

• Torture persists in Morocco. MdM and our Moroccan partners must be prepared for new requests.
• Assessment for a new project focused on violence against women and street children.

Project 2 :

Access to healthcare for sub- Saharan migrants in Morocco - Rabat

Activities :

Project in partnership with Caritas Morocco which included opening a welcome centre for migrants (CAM):

• welcome, orientation, prevention, health & hygiene and education;
• psychological care and provision of medicines;
• accompaniment and referral to public health services by a mobile, local team.

Partnership project to support the Association for the Fight Against AIDS (ALCS) in tackling
HIV/AIDS:

• prevention activities and support for a testing and treatment centre for people living with HIV, including
specific support for mothers and children;
• training peer educators to carry out prevention activities among migrant communities;
• bearing witness and lobbying the health authorities for equal access to triple therapy.

Outlook :

The partnership with Caritas has now finished. The CAM has become autonomous and, from now on, the centre will co-ordinate the peer educator teams.

August 2008