Summer of Exclusion: Casablanca’s Beaches Remain Off-Limits for People with Disabilities

Every summer, Casablanca’s beaches become a sanctuary for thousands of city dwellers escaping the heat. Yet, for people with disabilities, the shoreline remains out of reach—not for lack of desire, but due to systemic inaccessibility.

Despite Morocco’s legal commitments, including its ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, access to public beaches remains highly restricted for wheelchair users and others with physical limitations.

Across the city’s coastline, you’ll rarely find wheelchair-friendly paths, accessible bathrooms, or safe swimming zones for people with reduced mobility. For Fatima, a local disability rights activist, “Every summer reminds us that our needs are invisible.”

While officials have repeatedly announced inclusive beach projects, no tangible progress is visible. Many activists see this as a form of passive exclusion, reinforcing marginalization under the guise of technical challenges or budgetary constraints.

NGOs and disability groups are calling for concrete measures, such as installing beach mats, accessible restrooms, and trained lifeguards. True inclusion begins when freedom of movement and dignity are guaranteed for all.