In view of the devastating earthquake that shook Morocco on September 08, 2023 and brought terrible consequences for millions of people, we would like to express our deep solidarity with those affected and their families. 

On Friday, the earthquake with a magnitude of 6,8 hit the provinces of Al Haouz and Taroudant in Morocco particularly hard. Rescue efforts are extremely difficult, particularly in the remote mountainous areas surrounding the epicenter of the earthquake, which was about 70 kilometers southwest of Marrakech in the Atlas Mountains. 

It is important to emphasize that this natural disaster is now affecting a region that was already characterized by precarious living conditions, insecurity and instability before the earthquake. People often travel for hours to reach the nearest hospital and the already difficult situation is further exacerbated by landslides and collapsed bridges. 

Action is needed now. In addition to international assistance and expressions of condolence, we call on politicians to take concrete measures to support the victims and their families in this country too. Many of the affected families in the earthquake zone have connections to Germany and it is now crucial that they receive support during this difficult time. This is particularly true for women who immigrated back then and who often still experience disadvantage and discrimination today due to language barriers. 

There are many organizations in Germany that take care of the needs of immigrant Moroccans. We call on German politicians to strengthen cooperation with these organizations and ensure that that the needs of the affected families are adequately taken into account. This should primarily include the provision of financial resources for psychological consultations, language mediators (which are already a rarity, especially in the Tamazight language) and networking among each other.

DaMigra is also committed to this nationwide and offers its support. Migrant and feminist associations can contact us to provide joint help and support. We make our premises available for networking and dialogue meetings or provide support in other ways.

Donation information: Find out more in your home towns and cities, where churches, aid organizations and clubs accept donations in kind and also need workers to help bring the donations in kind to the crisis region in an aid convoy. Donate to small, local, decentralized organizations that already have access.

Together we can make a difference and provide much-needed support to families in Morocco during this difficult time.

Decentralized donations (these organizations act locally & already have access):

EMERGENCY HELP FUND Tuisa-hilft Foundation

Earthquake – German-Moroccan Competence Network (dmk-online.org)

Projects – Children’s Tears (kindertraenen.org)

DaMigra eV represents the interests of women migrant organizations and their concerns and advocates equal opportunities, equal participation and the equality of women with a history of migration and refugee experience in Germany. DaMigra follows the approach of anti-racist feminism.