The report by the economic social and environmental council (CESE) said the high number of NEET poses a risk to Morocco’s social stability and worsens poverty, vulnerability and inequality. Unaddressed, the NEET problem triggers psychological issues among the youth and exposes them to the risk of extremism and criminality. The NEET rate was higher among women at 38% than men 13.6%, the report mentions, adding that 40% of all NEET youth had an education level below junior high school. The report came as the unemployment rate in Morocco hit a record 13.7% in the first quarter this year, with a high prevalence among the youth. The government ascribed the high unemployment rate to a severe drought that slashed jobs in rural areas.
