Working Group on Human Rights in Western Sahara – 10 December 2025

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the Working Group on Human Rights in Western Sahara wishes to draw the attention of the  international community to the serious and persistent deterioration of fundamental rights in the occupied territories of Western Sahara, where the Sahrawi people continue to face a climate of repression, impunity and systematic violence. This day, which marks the 77th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reminds us that dignity, justice and freedom must be universal. However, for thousands of Sahrawis under Moroccan occupation, these principles continue to be denied on a daily basis five years after US President Donald Trump illegally recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, emboldening Morocco to heighten its repression and contributing to a climate of impunity in the territory.

A Pattern of Systematic Violations

According to data from the latest report published this year by the Working Group on Human Rights in Western Sahara, the situation in the occupied territory shows a pattern of systematic repression against human rights defenders, who face daily harassment, constant surveillance and restrictions on their mobility. Sahrawi activists who carry out peaceful documentation and advocacy work suffer physical and verbal attacks, while Sahrawi organizations face increasing obstacles to carrying out their work, including the confiscation of materials, the impossibility of holding meetings and the forced closure of spaces. Added to this are arbitrary detentions and trials without guarantees. Many people are arrested without a warrant for participating in peaceful demonstrations or expressing critical opinions. Judicial proceedings lack transparency, are based on forced confessions, and often take place without the accused having adequate defense. These practices result in disproportionate sentences that seek to discourage Sahrawi social and political activism. There is also excessive use of force against demonstrators and the civilian population, accompanied by night-time raids, destruction of property and threats against Sahrawi families. Several reports document cases of torture, cruel treatment and ill-treatment in detention centers, further aggravating the humanitarian situation. Other grave violations include economic strangulation imposed on human rights defenders, land grabbing for colonial purposes, whether by the occupying State or by foreign investors, as well as gender-based violence weaponized against women human rights defenders. Furthermore, severe restrictions on freedom of expression, association and the press persist. Independent journalists are subject to persecution, while cultural activities and family gatherings linked to Sahrawi identity are frequently banned. Access to the territory remains blocked for international observers, non-governmental organizations, journalists and parliamentary delegations, preventing independent monitoring and fostering an environment of impunity.

Absence of International Protection Mechanisms

The absence of a permanent international mission with a human rights mandate remains one of the biggest obstacles to the effective protection of the Sahrawi people. In fact, for nine consecutive years, Morocco has continued to block the entry of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights into the occupied Sahrawi territories. Despite this, in May this year, in response to a complaint submitted by the Working Group on Human Rights in Western Sahara, the Sahrawi Association of Victims of Grave Human Rights Violations Committed by the Moroccan State (ASVDH) and the Collective of Human Rights Defenders in Western Sahara (CODESA), eight United Nations Special Rapporteurs have publicly denounced Morocco’s ongoing campaign of repression, racial discrimination and violence against Sahrawi human rights defenders, journalists and activists in a historic communication. In the communication, the Special Rapporteurs highlighted 79 Sahrawi victims, emphasising «the widespread pattern of violence and systematic attacks that demonstrate racial discrimination against Sahrawis». The lack of independent observation creates an environment of impunity, where violations can be committed without oversight or consequences.

Urgent Appeal – On this symbolic date, the Working Group on Human Rights in Western Sahara makes an urgent appeal to the international community, UN member states, the African Union and regional organizations to:

1. Demand an immediate end to all forms of repression against the Sahrawi civilian population.

2. Release those arbitrarily detained for exercising their fundamental rights.

3. Guarantee full and unrestricted access to the territory for international observers.

4. Establish an independent human rights monitoring mechanism within the framework of the United Nations.

5. Protect Sahrawi defenders from reprisals.

6. Promote a fair and transparent political process, in accordance with international resolutions and the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people.

Finally, on this International Human Rights Day, we recall that the struggle of the Sahrawi people for justice, freedom and dignity is a struggle for human rights, which deserves urgent attention and international solidarity.

Contact: Working Group on Human Rights in Western Sahara (wghrws2020@proton.me)

If you wish to support Western Sahara solidarity or learn more, please visit the Western Sahara Solidarity Committee website and contact them.