Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Palais des Nations

1211 Geneva, Switzerland

Dear Special Rapporteur,

Re: Saharawi citizen murdered in a Moroccan prison in occupied territory of Western Sahara

Dr. Alice Jill Edwards

I hope this letter finds you well. We are writing from Adala UK is a UK based NGO, to bring to your attention a serious matter concerning the citizen of Western Sahara, Omar Bahia Abdelmajid, who was murdered in a Moroccan prison in the occupied territory of Western Sahara. This issue has raised significant concerns for the protection of human rights, and I believe it warrants your immediate attention.

The ‘right to life’ is a fundamental concept in human rights and refers to the belief that every individual has an inherent right to live and that no one should be arbitrarily deprived of life. This right is enshrined in various international human rights instruments, such as:

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Article 3 states, “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.”

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Article 6 affirms the right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life.

A passionate activist, Omar frequently demonstrated his support for the Saharawi right to self determination. On Sunday 3rd November, during the celebrations for the upcoming Green March anniversary, Moroccan settlers gathered in Town Hall Square of the capital city of Western Sahara, El Aaiún, Omar was protesting against the Moroccan occupation and in support of the self determination of the Saharawi people. He was arrested on the spot. Witnesses reported that he was beaten before being taken to the police station.

The following day, Omar was brought before the prosecutor and sent to the local prison in El Aaiún. Before his trial, he was tortured by the police, which probably ultimately led to his death.

By Wednesday, his lifeless body was taken to the hospital. No official document was provided to explain the cause of death to his family. His body was sent to the Moroccan city of Agadir, 600km away from Western Sahara for an autopsy, but the results were withheld from his family. They were silenced and ignored.

On Sunday 10th November, many Sahrawis gathered for his funeral.

Despite his family requesting the result of the autopsy be reported to the local authorities, there has been little to no accountability for those responsible. This is a clear violation of international law, including the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Morocco is a signatory.

This situation is alarming not only because it directly violates fundamental human rights but also because it reflects a broader pattern of systematic abuse by the Moroccan occupation against Saharawis. 

I respectfully request that you consider addressing this issue by initiating an inquiry, bringing international attention to the case, and urging relevant authorities in Morocco to take swift and effective action to investigate, prosecute, and prevent further instances of torture. Saving lives and protecting individuals from torture and other forms of ill-treatment is of paramount importance to the promotion of human dignity and the upholding of international human rights standards.

Thank you very much for your attention in this urgent matter. I look forward to hearing from you and learning about any actions that may be taken to address these grave violations.

Sincerely,

Sidi Ahmed 

Adala UK

www.adalauk.org

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