The President of Morocco’s National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), Amina Bouayach, called for stronger action to address Africa’s migration crisis during a meeting of the African National Human Rights Institutions Network (NANHRI) Working Group on Migration held on Friday.
The meeting, which took place at the CNDH headquarters, brought together human rights officials from across the continent to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by migrants.
In her speech, Bouayach highlighted that around 21 million Africans currently live in another African country, emphasising the continent’s role as a major migration hub.
North Africa, in particular, has become a key crossing point for migrants attempting perilous sea journeys across the Mediterranean.
Bouayach noted that more than 20,000 people lost their lives or went missing in these waters between 2014 and 2022.
She identified the key drivers of migration, including armed conflicts, political instability, and climate change, with environmental crises worsening the situation.
The severe drought in East Africa in 2023, which affected over 27 million people, was cited as an example of how climate-related issues are intensifying migration challenges.
Bouayach urged National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to take stronger action to address violations, monitor migration trends, and influence relevant laws and policies.
She also called for greater cooperation between national and international organisations to protect the rights of migrants.
“The urgency of the situation obliges us to make it a top priority,” she emphasised.
