The Moroccan prison observatory noted in its 2000-2001 report the overcrowding of Moroccan prisons as the major problem. The observatory which conducted a census last January estimates the number of inmates at 54,800 for a capacity of 39,000. All prisons are overcrowded, the only exception is the prison of Kenitra where two wards are empty, the report says. The non-governmental independent association set up in 1999 to monitor inmates rights to dignity, human treatment, protection, training and integration in life after release, also deplores poor quality of living conditions, airing, meals and hygiene in prison kitchens. Inmates are also facing a lack in education, training and leisure activities, due to a shortage of pedagogic staff and equipment while minors and women are not given due heed as a special category of the inmate population.
Morocco has only two specialized centers for minors.
The association also deplores cases of sexual deviations, drugs consumption and corruption which it ascribes to the lack of staff and the degradation of their situation. The report was compiled after visits to 11 prisons by the association which praised the positive attitude of the administration. The mission meant to evaluate the situation in prisons after the adoption of a new law on prison organization and management. The association considers the law as a positive legislative reform but cautions that its provisions should be enforced. For the Moroccan justice department, the report only contains conclusions and is not exhaustive as the association did not visit all the Moroccan prisons.