Nine Sub-Saharan African migrants have died from freezing temperatures in eastern Morocco near the border with Algeria, according to a local human rights group.

The deaths occurred between Dec. 3 and Dec. 12 in the Ras Asfour area near Touissit, in Jerada province, the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) in Oujda said on Friday. The group said the bodies, including those of two women, were found in mountainous terrain that is largely uninhabited and experiences extremely low winter temperatures.

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“Authorities discovered nine bodies of Sub-Saharan African citizens from Dec. 3 to 12,” the AMDH said in a statement. “Their weakened bodies could not withstand the severe cold, according to official sources.”

The identities of five of the migrants remain unknown. Six of the bodies were buried in Jerada on Dec. 12, while two were retained at the request of relatives after their identities were confirmed. The ninth body was also discovered on Dec. 12.

The association said the public prosecutor agreed to delay the burial of a Guinean woman to allow her family time to confirm her identity.

According to the AMDH, the funeral ceremonies were conducted in a respectful and dignified manner, with participation from local authorities, residents, civil society groups, and a local charity that assisted with the arrangements.

The rights group expressed “deep concern” over the deaths and extended condolences to the victims’ families. It said the incident underscores the dangers faced by migrants and pointed to what it described as violations of the internationally recognized right to freedom of movement.

The AMDH also praised residents of Jerada and local civil society actors for showing solidarity and providing humanitarian support to migrants, and said it would continue to monitor the case.