Law & Human Rights in Morocco

  Morocco

• Other Cities in Morocco: 
Rabat

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Inquire for dates

Description: The experience that you will gain while volunteering on the Human Rights and Law project in Morocco will undoubtedly improve your CV. This applies whether you are a gap-year student looking to study law at university or a law graduate looking to gain some practical work experience in human rights. Your precise role will be determined by your knowledge of law and level of interest in specific areas. International law experience is certainly something that all law firms will be pleased to see when recruiting trainees and new partners.

The Kingdom of Morocco is now under the firm rule of King Muhammed the VI after a century of deep interest by European colonial powers. Since independence in 1956, there have been struggles for power that have left many people suffering. Today many local and international organisations are working to improve the situation of the poor, repressed and vulnerable within the country and Projects Abroad volunteers are assisting them in a variety of hands-on initiatives, policy building research, and fact-finding missions.

The main languages of communication in Morocco are French and Arabic and speaking intermediate French is necessary to be able to participate fully in this project.

* Volunteering on a Human Rights and Law Internship in Morocco

Depending on your own educational level and personal interest you have different opportunities in Morocco for Human Rights and Law. Legally minded volunteers who have begun a year of pre-law or law courses can work in a private law firm alongside lawyers researching case precedents and developing litigation with special attention to civil law such as divorce and family rights to estate management. Grass roots organisations need assistance with many things such as fact finding missions, educational campaigns, refugee and prison monitoring, policy amendments, and general support of vulnerable people.

Most private law firms and human rights organisations are located in the capital of Morocco in Rabat - Arabic influenced cosmopolitan city. A placement on this project offers a unique opportunity for legal work and a special cultural experience for anyone interested in the field of law and human rights.

The civil, economic and social rights of women, children, prisoners and refugees in Morocco have improved in recent times but there is still a long way to go. You may join programmes dealing with the following issues:

- Children's rights
- Women's rights
- Prison conditions
- Refugee conditions and rights

One of the main aims is to help raise awareness so that ordinary Moroccan people understand their rights, and what protection they are legally entitled to in certain situations. Your role in this might involve various activities such as:

- Raising awareness in rural communities
- Preparing leaflets, posters or educational tools
- Running training programmes
- Planning promotional campaigns

The human rights associations and law firms we partner with are serious professional organisations. You may sometimes have deadlines or you may be asked to represent the organisation at meetings and other events. Your work will be important for the growth of human rights in West Africa.

Highlights: Historically, Morocco has been a crossing point for travelers, migrants and traders from all over Africa, Europe and the East. Such diverse influences have contributed to an amazing richness and complexity in cultural life, from art to architecture, music to cuisine. Morocco has both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines and many of the large towns are also coastal, including the fabulous trading cities of Casablanca, Agadir and Rabat. Inland, on the edge of the Atlas Mountains, lie the equally enticing towns of Fés, Marrakesh and Meknès.

For your accommodation, you'll live with a host-family. All the families involved are extremely supportive of Projects Abroad and are eager to experience an inter-cultural exchange so they can learn more about the lives of volunteers.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Cost in US$: USD 3,095 and up

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 16 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Morocco Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992