Alarming Rise in Fatalities and Hunger Strikes in Moroccan Prisons

In a sobering report that sheds light on the conditions within Morocco's correctional facilities, the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) has disclosed a shocking 249 deaths recorded in the nation's prisons during 2023. The council's annual findings, presented today in Rabat by its president, Amina Bouayach, depict a grim reality based on direct complaints and surveillance mechanisms.

The investigations conducted by the CNDH and its regional commissions have revealed that the causes of these fatalities range from suicides and chronic illnesses to natural causes. Out of the 249 deaths, 185 occurred within hospital premises, 33 en route to these medical facilities, and 31 within the confines of the penitentiary institutions themselves.

Entitled "Establishing the Foundations of a National System for the Protection of Economic and Social Rights," the report also highlights a troubling trend of hunger strikes among inmates. Not all such protests were reported to the CNDH and its regional commissions, with data from the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) indicating a significant 1,357 hunger strikes as of April 8, 2024.

The report underscores a notable increase in custodial deaths compared to the previous year, 2022, and a consistent pattern of hunger strikes within the prison system. This concerning trend necessitates immediate measures to address overcrowding and enhance healthcare provisions within these correctional facilities.

The findings highlight the urgency of addressing the challenging conditions faced by incarcerated individuals, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms and a strengthened commitment to upholding the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals, including those deprived of their liberty.

As Morocco confronts this stark reality, the CNDH's report calls upon authorities to prioritize the well-being and humane treatment of prisoners, ensuring that the nation's correctional system adheres to internationally recognized standards and upholds the principles of human rights and social justice.