In a passionate plea, the Saharawi Youth Union (UJSARIO) alongside the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) has called on the UN Human Rights Council to take immediate action in safeguarding the rights of the Saharawi people amid ongoing oppression in Western Sahara. During the council’s 58th session, they urged stronger enforcement of human rights protections, emphasizing Morocco’s failure to comply with its obligations and demanding protections for individuals engaging with international human rights mechanisms.
UJSARIO’s statement highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by the Saharawi people who endure systematic human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and suppression of freedom of expression. They condemned the international community’s inaction regarding the decolonization process and called attention to Morocco’s intensifying repression against activists and journalists. The youth organization is particularly concerned about the lack of access to vital human rights bodies in the occupied territory of Western Sahara.
Moreover, the Saharawi Youth Union demanded that Moroccan authorities cease the unjust economic exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources and release political prisoners. They emphasized that the UN council must address Morocco’s oppressive policies, which hinder compliance with international obligations, particularly regarding the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The Saharawi national liberation movement, represented by UJSARIO, advocates for independence from Morocco, which currently controls 80 percent of Western Sahara. While the UN recognizes the territory as non-self-governing, it remains a focal point for decolonization efforts as the people of Western Sahara continue to seek their right to self-determination. UJSARIO poignantly stated, “The future of Saharawi people remains uncertain while rulings affirming their right to self-determination remain unimplemented.”
The Saharawi Youth Union urged the UN Human Rights Council to safeguard the rights of the Saharawi people, calling for Morocco to comply with international obligations and ensure protections for human rights activists. They highlighted ongoing human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions and repression of free speech, while pressing for the release of political prisoners and an end to the illegal exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources. The call reflects the continued struggle for independence from Morocco, recognised as a non-self-governing territory by the UN.
The Saharawi Youth Union’s urgent call to the UN Human Rights Council underscores the need for immediate intervention to protect Saharawi rights amidst ongoing human rights abuses by Moroccan authorities. With sustained oppression and a lack of international commitment to the decolonization of Western Sahara, the future of the Saharawi people remains precarious, hinging on the international community’s willingness to address these injustices. Ultimately, the path to self-determination and independence for the Saharawi people is fraught with challenges that demand global attention and action.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
