The British NGO stated that “the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on 10 December, 1948, and has since been celebrated globally as Human Rights Day. Adala UK takes this opportunity to reflect on the reality of human rights in the occupied territories of Western Sahara, where the Moroccan occupation continues to violate numerous international agreements and international law. It emphasised that the Moroccan occupation, which has lasted for more than 49 years, significantly impacts the Saharawi people, regardless of age or gender. 

Adala UK further explained in a statement issued today that “the Moroccan occupation affects the daily lives of Saharawi refugees as well as Saharawi citizens in the occupied territories, regularly violating their human rights. It highlighted that the Moroccan military wall, which divides Western Sahara, prevents the free movement of Saharawi families, who are unable to leave or enter the occupied territories or refugee camps. The organisation also mentioned other severe measures faced by the Saharawi people in the occupied territories, including restrictions, surveillance, violations, prisons, the construction of settlements for Moroccan settlers, and the marginalisation of the indigenous Saharawi population.” 

The organisation pointed out that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes civil and political rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and privacy. It also covers economic, social, and cultural rights, such as the right to health and adequate housing. Despite these rights, Morocco systematically violates these fundamental rights of the Saharawis, particularly the right to self-determination, which has been recognised by the United Nations and for which its mission exists in the occupied territory. Morocco also systematically violates the rights to freedom of expression, health, cultural rights, and the right to housing for the Saharawis, as they are unable to access land to build their homes. Additionally, they are constantly threatened with forced displacement from their homeland due to repression, marginalisation, poverty, prisons, and political trials. 

Adala UK emphasised that “such a day is essential to remind that declarations and international agreements are not enough. What is needed now is concrete action by the international community to pressure for compliance with these international agreements and United Nations resolutions.” The organisation confirmed that Morocco is the state that has violated international legitimacy by occupying the territory of Western Sahara since 1975, in constant disregard for international law, and has not faced any sanctions. 

Adala UK called on the international community and the United Nations to protect human rights, especially the right to self-determination in Western Sahara, as stipulated in international covenants and treaties ratified by Morocco. The organisation stressed that the Moroccan occupying authorities must respect the right to self-determination, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly, as well as respect civil and political rights, so that individuals can exercise their rights without fear of injury, imprisonment, or physical harm.

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