Recent decision rendered by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention recently concluded in their Opinion regarding the detention of Ndor Laaroussi (Opinion No. 23/2019), that Laaroussi, connected to the Saharawi Journalist organization Bentili Media Center, had been arrested, tortured, and...
Once again, Morocco has stopped an international observer from entering Western Sahara. Spanish lawyer Cristina Martinez was travelling to the capital El Aaiun in order to observe the trial of a group of young men who were detained for participating in a peaceful protest on 19th July. She was stopped...
Ali Saadouni is a former political prisoner and a prominent Saharawi human rights defender known for his membership in the “Coordination of those rejecting the Moroccan nationality”. Ali Saadouni was arrested on 11 April 2019. The arrest of Saadouni came in response to a demonstration held on Tuesday 10 April...
In its report on press freedoms in Western Sahara, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) sheds light on a territory cut off from the rest of the world, a veritable news black hole that has become a no-go zone for journalists. “Western Sahara, a desert for journalists,” is the first-ever work of research...
Moroccan police have once again violated international law and breached their obligations under international treaties. A video published on social media shows 16 police officers approaching a civilian vehicle in 4 vehicles and detaining the 3 Saharawi citizens inside by force. Without any words bring exchanged, the police officers started...
On 26th May 2019, Moroccan police forces arrested 14-year-old Saharawi Ambarak Mohamed Bani near Morabitine School on Smara street in occupied el Aaiun, according to the boy's family. They took him to the police station where Ambarak was tortured, causing injuries and bruises, and threatened with more violence. Photos and...
For the attention of: Sir Adrian White, Chief Executive and Chairman, BiwaterBiwater House Station Approach Dorking RH4 1TZ London, 14 May 2019 Re: Biwater’s presence in Western Sahara Dear Sir Adrian, I am writing on behalf of Adala UK, a British NGO focused on documenting human rights violations in the non-self-governing territory of Western Sahara, with regard to Biwater’s activities there. We became aware of...
As outlined in a number of laws and international rules, once a person is detained it becomes the responsibility of the authorities to protect the prisoner's health. The Moroccan authorities must immediately and without condition transfer the political prisoner Mohamed Tahlil to hospital given that his health has deteriorated. The...
The 8th March is celebrated around the world as International Women’s Day, recognising the important role women play in the development of our societies. The Saharawi woman celebrates this day under the constant threat of attacks on her physical integrity, insults, sexual assault, kidnap, ridicule, beatings and other forms of humiliation,...
The 1951 Refugee Convention, signed and ratified by Spain in 1978, sets forward the right to seek international protection. The right to seek asylum is similarly stipulated in the Declaration of Human Rights Article 14, stating that "Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum...