Many human rights organisations, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, can work relatively freely. However, the authorities restrict the work of other organisations especially in Western Sahara. Freedom of assembly within Morocco is limited and an official pre-authorisation is required for any public gathering. Protests are organised frequently by groups supporting unemployed people and other groups working on economic, social and cultural rights. At times, such protests are dispersed by the police through the use of excessive force, which has led in the past to the arrest and injury of many protesters.

There is concern in relation to respect for the rule of the law and the independence of the judiciary. Human rights activities risk being further constrained by anti-terrorism legislation, which contains broad definitions of terrorism and terrorist acts, which may be used to hinder the activities of human rights defenders.

The situation of human rights defenders in Western Sahara is different due to the complex political and security context as well as very restrictive practices by the authorities in terms of enjoyment of basic rights and freedoms. For further information on the situation in Western Sahara see Western Sahara

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