Morocco has recently announced that it would impose a mandatory vaccine pass for access to public places and inter-city travel after it inoculated most of its adult population.
This decision has sparked controversy among political and human rights circles.
The left-wing Unified Socialist Party issued a statement on Wednesday slamming the decision and stressing that it “contradicts the Kingdom’s constitution.”
The party further vowed to lodge an appeal against the decision and considered it “contrary to what Moroccans expect from the new government.”
The party also warned against “the decline in economic activity due to the repercussions of the curfew imposed.”
Meanwhile, a group of political and media figures signed a petition on Wednesday against imposing the vaccine pass.
Signatories of the petition strongly criticized the government decision, stressing that it would cause “anxiety and inconvenience” for millions of Moroccans.
Petitioners criticized the “arbitrary” implementation of this decision and the “lack of respect for the concerns of some citizens.”
“Vaccination has never been mandatory, so it is incomprehensible that the freedom of movement and rights of citizens are restricted without being informed within a reasonable time.”
The signatories urged the government to review the decision and set a notice period, or suspend it for a period of two months to allow citizens wishing to receive the vaccine to do so within a clear and final period of time.
According to the decision, employees and users of public, semi-public or private administration will be obliged to show the vaccination pass before entering the premises.
The officials in charge of the administrations will have to ensure the correct compliance with the new measures since they will be under their direct legal responsibility.
Hotels and tourist establishments, restaurants, coffee shops, closed areas, shops and gyms are added to the list of places that require the COVID pass.
