Azilal is one of the mountainous regions where the freezing cold torments the homeless, especially in winter. Measures are being taken by local authorities, National Mutual Assistance, civil society associations and other partners to accommodate people who spend freezing nights in precarious shelters made of cardboard boxes and plastic sheeting, in search of a little warmth and comfort.
According to the president of the Nour Association for the Protection of the Homeless, Hicham Ahrar, “faced with the intense cold wave hitting the Azilal region, the Nour Association for the Protection of the Homeless, in collaboration with the delegation Provincial National Assistance and local authorities, continues its efforts to provide shelter to the homeless. During the night of Monday to Tuesday, December 10, 2024, as during all nights when it is freezing cold, actions were taken to help these people leave their precarious refuge made up of cardboard boxes and plastic sheeting, at the looking for some warmth and comfort. This continued mobilization illustrates the commitment of local actors to help the most deprived in the face of climatic rigors and to promote a united and humanitarian approach across the province of Azilal.
According to the president of the aforementioned Association, its teams organize annual campaigns, in coordination with its partners, to distribute winter clothing to homeless people living in the streets and alleys. These actions aim to help them cope with the freezing temperatures affecting the region, while directing them to the Al Amal Center for people in precarious situations in Azilal, or by transporting them to the provincial hospital to receive care. medical.
The Al-Amal Center has a capacity of 28 beds, divided between men and women. In 2024, it supported a total of 176 people in difficult situations, including 54 women and girls. The majority of these women were able to be reintegrated into their families thanks to the support of National Assistance and local authorities.
This social center, mentioned in the context of these initiatives, constitutes a practical realization of the third phase of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH). It strives to improve the living conditions of the homeless by meeting their basic housing needs and promoting their integration into society.
“Thanks to the activities of our association in this area,” said Mr. Ahrar, “we have had the opportunity to be in direct contact with many cases and to provide assistance within our means by offering certain essential services, such as reception at the Al Amal Center for people in difficult situations in Azilal, listening and referral to other structures, support from psychiatrists and the supply of medication for sick people, accommodation and catering for homeless people sleeping in the street, the distribution of food and blankets for those who refuse to go to the Al Amal Center… However, we deplore the absence of official statistics at the provincial and regional levels, which constitutes an obstacle to a precise assessment of the extent of this phenomenon.
Morocco
