Taroudant - Members of the Youth Forum for Democracy and Citizenship organized last weekend a humanitarian campaign in Rabat, lobbying for the eradication of all forms of racism and xenophobia targeting Sub-Saharan Africans, Syrians and other immigrants living in Morocco.
Upon its creation, the YFDC, a Moroccan non-governmental organization, pledged to fight for the rights of immigrants originating from Sub-Saharan-African countries and those fleeing the civil war in Syria today.
The young activists took to the streets of Rabat this past weekend to offer a symbolic flower to immigrants they encountered on their way. Chanting, “Moroccan, remember! You, too, are an African,” their slogan and their kind gesture symbolized hospitality, love and tolerance.
Youssef Gherradi, an active member of the YFDC’s Rabat branch told Morocco World News that this humanitarian gesture aimed to raise the morale of the migrants whilst reminding Moroccans of their African origins.
This philanthropic move coincided with the World Refugee Day. The campaign was also timely as it set off just a few days after King Mohammed VI’s return from a tour in a number of African countries, promoting Morocco’s stellar diplomatic relations with its neighboring countries and beyond.
One of the objectives of the Youth Forum for Democracy and Citizenship, YFDC president Abdelilah Lendani says, is to “enhance a culture of mutual understanding and spread values of tolerance.”
“This high spirit of active citizenship pushes us forward to act in favor of all the members of our society, be they native or foreign, so as long as they respect the principles, values and national integrity of our kingdom,” the president added.
Most of the immigrants expressed their gratitude to the members of YFDC for this “very symbolic act.”
According to the organizers, a few Sub-Saharan African immigrants burst into tears of joy upon receiving the flower.
“We had the opportunity to put a smile on some African migrants. It was really hard, but I am pleased to have been involved in this incredible cause,” said Souad E Jomani, sponsorship coordinator for YFDC’s Rabat branch.
In 2014, Morocco naturalized thousands of migrants, most of whom are from Sub-Saharan Africa, having left their countries of origin with the hope of finding a way to Europe, and others who had hoped to flee sectarian wars in their homes.
Edited by Marwa Al Omami
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