"The informal economy and its impact on social marginalisation and inequity among young people in the region" is the theme of a meeting held on Wednesday in Al Hoceima, at the initiative of the Al Amal Network for Relief and Sustainable Development of Al Hoceima.

Speaking on this occasion, the member of the Regional Human Rights Commission of Al Hoceima-Nador, Mohamed El Hammouchi, indicated that this meeting aims to highlight the harmful effects of the informal economy, in particular cannabis trafficking, stressing the need to engage in reflection on adapted and sustainable alternatives to eliminate these practices.

Mr El Hammouchi encouraged young people to get more involved in civic life and to engage in the management of their region's affairs by investing in the associative, political, cultural, or economic fields, with a view to improving their daily lives and contributing to the development of their region.

For his part, the president of the Al Amal Network for Relief and Sustainable Development in Al Hoceima, Mohamed Elmoutaouakil, noted that this meeting was an opportunity to debate this complex subject which calls upon historical, cultural, environmental, and economic factors, noting that the involvement of all parties concerned is essential to remedy it.

He also noted that "the informal economy is not a solution for the problems of young people; on the contrary, it generates poverty, inequality of opportunity, unfair competition, and weakens the national economy".

This meeting is initiated in partnership with the Mediterranean Youth Forum, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the British Council, the Anna Lindh Foundation, and the Ministry of Justice.

The Al Amal network sets itself the objectives of promoting human and sustainable development, defending the principles of modernity and democracy, as well as disseminating the values of transparency, responsibility, independence, and respect for human rights.