At the recent 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Saharawi youth organisation UJSARIO passionately voiced concerns regarding the relentless repression of human rights defenders in Western Sahara. Their joint statement with ISHR shed light on ongoing violations, notably the lack of access to basic freedoms and resources, echoing the UN’s stance that Western Sahara’s path to decolonisation hinges on the people’s right to self-determination.
Saharawi activists, journalists, and civil society members endure persistent repression for their peaceful advocacy. They face a harsh reality marked by arbitrary detentions, torture, forced disappearances, and systemic discrimination. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has recently advocated for the release of 18 Gdeim Izik prisoners, locked away in Moroccan jails for over 13 years, which highlights a disturbing trend of human rights abuses in the region.
Since 2015, Morocco has intensified its oppressive policies, blocking access to the UN’s human rights agencies. This denial of cooperation exemplifies a broader pattern of state non-compliance that requires urgent addressing by the Human Rights Council. The ongoing lack of implementation of self-determination rights for the Saharawi people casts a shadow over their future.
The call is clear: Morocco must adhere to international rulings from the Committee Against Torture and release all unlawfully detained journalists and human rights advocates. The Council is urged to ensure accountability for corporations benefiting from the exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources amidst human rights violations.
Moving forward, it is crucial for the Council to bolster the authority of UN human rights mechanisms, safeguarding those who engage with them while facilitating access to these vital bodies in occupied territories. Upholding the rights of the Saharawi people demands consistent international cooperation and accountability under international law, especially in contexts of occupation and conflict.
During the 58th UN Human Rights Council session, UJSARIO presented a grim picture of the Saharawi people’s struggle against targeted repression for their humanitarian activism. Despite UN affirmations regarding their right to self-determination, they face severe human rights violations. Calls for the release of unjustly imprisoned individuals and stronger enforcement of international human rights standards were made, alongside demands for accountability from Morocco.
The plight of the Saharawi people illustrates the dire need for global attention and action. Their fundamental human rights and the call for self-determination remain unaddressed, prompting calls for accountability and cooperation from governing bodies. The future of Western Sahara hinges on the respect for human rights frameworks and Morocco’s compliance with international obligations.
Original Source: ishr.ch
