London, UK — Adala UK, has received a formal response from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) following its recent letter to the British Foreign Secretary, The Rt Hon David Lammy MP.

In its letter dated 25 June 2025, addressed specifically to Adala UK’s President, Sidi Ahmed Elyedassi, the FCDO reaffirmed the UK Government’s position that Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal remains “the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis” for resolving the Western Sahara conflict. The response emphasized the UK’s support for a negotiated settlement that is “mutually acceptable to the parties and arrived at through compromise,” underscoring the commitment to peaceful diplomacy under United Nations auspices.

Importantly, the United Kingdom has not recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, contrary to the narrative promoted by Moroccan media and some Moroccan officials since the British Minister’s recent visit to the region.

The FCDO also reiterated the UK’s dedication to the rules-based international order and fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including respect for the right to self-determination. Furthermore, the letter expressed support for the ongoing UN-led mediation efforts by Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, and welcomed the planned third UK-Morocco Human Rights Dialogue session.

While Adala UK welcomes the FCDO’s recognition of human rights concerns in both Morocco and Western Sahara, the organization urges the UK Government to ensure that the Saharawi people’s internationally recognized right to a free and fair referendum on self-determination remains central to all diplomatic engagements.

In its original letter to the Foreign Secretary, Adala UK expressed grave concern over the UK’s recent shift toward endorsing Morocco’s autonomy proposal an approach that contravenes the Saharawi people’s right to determine their own political future, as guaranteed by numerous UN resolutions and international law. The letter highlighted a troubling double standard, contrasting the UK’s support for Scotland’s democratic right to self-determination with its denial of the same principle to the Saharawi people, who have endured decades of occupation and human rights violations.

“A just and lasting peace can only be achieved by honoring the Saharawi people’s right to decide their own future,” said a Sidi Ahmed Alyadasi president of Adala UK. “The Saharawi people have waited decades for the chance to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination as guaranteed by international law and numerous UN resolutions. Any lasting solution must respect their voice and choices.”

Adala UK calls on the UK Government and the wider international community to renew their commitment to upholding international law, supporting the UN-led process, and pressuring all parties involved to facilitate a transparent and impartial referendum. The organization stresses that the dignity and human rights of the Saharawi people cannot be sidelined in the pursuit of political expediency.

Adala UK remains open to continued dialogue with the UK Government to ensure that the Saharawi people’s rights remain at the forefront of diplomatic efforts and looks forward to contributing to a just resolution of the Western Sahara conflict.

Note:
For reasons of diplomatic protocol and confidentiality, the full text of the letter is not published. Only key points have been shared publicly.

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