The Amazigh people identify themselves as indigenous peoples in Morocco. It is estimated that the Amazigh people may make up anything up to 60% of the population of Morocco, although figures are regularly contested. They are otherwise known as “Berbers”. Where it is still possible, the Amazigh people still practice a nomadic way of life.
In 2000, King Mohamed VI of Morocco officially recognized the Amazigh dimension of the Moroccan identity, and created the Royal Institute for Amazigh Culture (IRCAM). Other developments have included the official recognition of the Amazigh language (Tamazight).
In recognition of these positive developments, PRO-169 project supported a national workshop on the rights of indigenous peoples in Morocco in November 2003. This workshop addressed three priority themes identified by indigenous peoples: consultation and participation; land and resource rights; and the right to education and identity.
Furthermore, PRO 169 has an ongoing collaboration with a national indigenous organization – the Association for Amazigh Culture (TAMAYNUT), in a number of areas including research on the legal accommodation of indigenous customary law in Morocco; and research on best practices for the implementation of the principles of Convention No. 169.