Morocco’s Human Freedom Index Ranking: A Closer Look at 2024’s Scores
Morocco ranked 130th globally in the 2024 Human Freedom Index, a joint project of the Cato Institute (US) and the Fraser Institute (Canada). This represents a five-position improvement compared to the country’s 2022 ranking. While any upward movement is positive, this placement still raises questions about the state of individual liberties and economic freedoms within the kingdom.
The index, which assesses both personal and economic freedom, awarded Morocco an overall score of 5.49 out of 10. This score is a composite of its performance in two key areas:
Personal Freedom: Morocco scored 4.81 (ranking 148th globally), indicating significant room for improvement. This sub-score reflects limitations on freedoms such as expression, assembly, and religion. The report specifically highlighted a score of zero concerning LGBTQ+ rights, reflecting the criminalization of same-sex relations in Morocco. While the report noted a relatively high score for security and safety (around 9), further investigation is needed to understand the nuances of this metric, particularly considering potential restrictions on freedom of assembly and protest.
Economic Freedom: Morocco fared better in this category, achieving a score of 6.46 and ranking 90th globally. This relatively stronger performance is driven by a high ranking (7th) in international trade freedom and a solid score (6.5) for market regulation. This suggests a relatively open environment for business and trade, which can contribute to economic growth and development. However, it’s crucial to examine how this economic freedom translates into tangible benefits for all Moroccans, considering issues of income inequality and access to opportunities.
Regional Context:
Within the North Africa and Middle East region, Morocco ranked 9th in the 2024 index. Israel topped the regional list, followed by Jordan, Kuwait, Tunisia, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain. This regional comparison highlights the diverse landscape of freedom in the area and underscores the ongoing challenges faced by many countries in the region, including Morocco.
The Global Picture: A Post-Pandemic Decline in Freedom
The 2024 Human Freedom Index report paints a concerning picture of global freedom trends. It notes a significant decline in human freedom following the COVID-19 pandemic, with restrictions impacting movement, expression, assembly, and economic stability. While a slight improvement was observed in 2022, global freedom levels remain below pre-pandemic levels and significantly lower than the peak observed in 2007. This global trend underscores the importance of continued vigilance in protecting fundamental freedoms, even in times of crisis. Organizations like Freedom House and Human Rights Watch also document these trends, providing further context and analysis. (Link to relevant Freedom House or HRW report could be added here).
The Human Freedom Index: Two Decades of Monitoring
Since its inception in 2000, the Human Freedom Index has tracked personal and economic freedoms across 165 countries, providing valuable data for researchers, policymakers, and the public. By monitoring these trends, the index aims to promote greater understanding of the importance of freedom for human flourishing and societal progress. The index uses a variety of data sources, including international organizations and think tanks, to compile its rankings. (Link to Human Freedom Index methodology could be added here).
Looking Ahead:
Morocco’s 2024 Human Freedom Index ranking presents a mixed bag. While the improvement in overall ranking is welcome, the low scores for personal freedoms, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression, remain a serious concern. Moving forward, it will be crucial to monitor developments in Morocco and advocate for policies that protect and expand fundamental freedoms for all citizens.
