The Coalition of Sahrawi Non-Governmental Organisations calls on everyone to help in the aftermath of the earthquake in Morocco

Africa Watch issued an official statement offering its condolences for the devastating earthquake in the region of Al Haouz, Marrakech and nearby areas of Morocco and called on behalf of the Coalition of Sahrawi Non-Governmental Organisations for the mobilisation of all civil society actors and activists to collaborate in humanitarian and emergency work.  

The official statement from Africa Watch is reproduced below: 

Africa Watch, Human Rights Defenders and the International Network for Human Rights and Development, affiliated to the "Coalition of Sahrawi Non-Governmental Organisations", express their deep sorrow at the impact of the devastating earthquake that struck the region of Al Haouz, Marrakech, neighbouring regions and various places throughout Morocco, offers its deepest condolences and solidarity to the families and loved ones of the victims, and to all members of the Moroccan people as a result of this painful accident, which caused huge losses in lives and properties.

In the face of the horror of the event, the NGO Coalition calls on all civilian actors, activists and members of civil society organisations to recruit, within the framework of humanitarian efforts to search for people alive under the rubble, as well as to recover bodies, support and distribute urgent humanitarian aid to those affected by the earthquake, and ensure the veracity of information sent to the press and published on social media sites, in order to prevent the spread of false news and repel attempts to spread terror and fear among the victims, their families and the general population. 

The Coalition of Sahrawi Non-Governmental Organisations proudly expresses its appreciation for the rapid intervention of the Royal Court, deploying specialised teams of the Royal Armed Forces, preparing a surgical field hospital and issuing the order to create a ministerial committee to review the stages of coordination between rescue, support and logistical operations and to provide information and statistics to enlighten public opinion, national and international. 

The Coalition Secretariat announces its support, solidarity and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Moroccan people for the severe damage they have suffered as a result of the earthquake that struck many areas of Morocco and spread to neighbouring countries, and wishes a speedy recovery for the injured and wounded and reparations for the bereaved families.