Morocco’s Tourism Image Under Threat: Sexual Harassment Persists Despite New Laws

Despite the entry into force of Law 103.13 in 2018, which clearly criminalizes acts of harassment and imposes sanctions ranging from imprisonment to fines, sexual harassment persists in Morocco. The latest case is that of a French tourist. The incident, documented by a video, took place in Essaouira. We see a French woman exasperated by the actions of a young man. This is not an isolated case. Similar incidents have already been recorded in Tangier, Chefchaouen and Marrakech.

This form of discrimination undermines Morocco’s tourism reputation. A few years ago, the British newspaper Daily Mail placed the kingdom among the countries where women are advised to be cautious during their visit. Despite mobilization of civil society, through initiatives like Masaktach and the launch of the first national plan to combat sexual harassment in the Arab region and Africa in 2023, under the patronage of Princess Lalla Meryem, the phenomenon persists over time.

Why does sexual harassment not stop? The 2018 Law 103.13 indeed shows its limits due to the difficulty of proof, the lack of reporting, and social trivialization. Today, a collective awareness and committed institutions are needed to combat the phenomenon. Sexual harassment is no longer just a human rights issue, but a matter of sovereignty affecting Morocco’s image, both internally and externally.