London, 20 October 2025 The British human rights organisation Adala UK has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take a principled stand in support of international law by recognising the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), as Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara reaches its 50th year.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Adala UK welcomed the government’s recent decision to recognise the State of Palestine describing it as a “courageous and moral step” and urged similar action in support of the Saharawi people’s right to self-determination.

A Forgotten Conflict Approaches Its 50th Year

Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been occupied by Morocco since 1975, despite a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that neither Morocco nor Mauritania had any legitimate claim to sovereignty over the territory. The Court affirmed that the Saharawi people have an inalienable right to decide their own future.

Half a century later, that right remains unfulfilled. More than 170,000 Saharawi refugees still live in camps in south-western Algeria, dependent on humanitarian assistance, while those living under Moroccan control face restrictions on freedom of expression, discrimination in employment and housing, and violent repression of peaceful protests.

Human Rights and Resource Exploitation

International human rights experts have repeatedly raised concerns over Morocco’s human rights record in the occupied territory. Reports from UN bodies and NGOs document arbitrary detentions, forced evictions, and harassment of journalists and activists advocating for Saharawi rights.

At the same time, Morocco continues to extract and export Western Sahara’s natural resources  including phosphates, fish, sand, and renewable energy in violation of international law. The exploitation of these resources, Adala UK noted, “fuels the occupation and deprives the Saharawi people of their own economic and cultural sovereignty.”

A Reversal of UK Policy

Adala UK expressed deep concern over the UK government’s recent endorsement of Morocco’s “autonomy plan”, announced by then Foreign Secretary David Lammy in June 2025. The plan grants limited local administrative powers to the Saharawi people but leaves Morocco in control of sovereignty, defence, and foreign policy.

“This position represents a significant reversal of the UK’s historic commitment to the Saharawi people’s right to a free and fair referendum,” the organisation said. “By endorsing Morocco’s plan, the UK risks legitimising an illegal occupation and undermining international law.”

Consistency with Britain’s Principles

Adala UK drew clear parallels between the situations in Palestine and Western Sahara, describing both as struggles for self-determination under prolonged occupation. The organisation argued that the principles underpinning the UK’s recognition of Palestine the defence of international law, opposition to occupation, and support for human rights must also apply to Western Sahara.

“Britain has shown leadership by recognising the State of Palestine. Extending that same principle to Western Sahara would demonstrate true consistency in the UK’s foreign policy and reaffirm its global commitment to justice and the rule of law,” Adala UK said.

A Call to Act Before the 50th Anniversary

As the 50th anniversary of Morocco’s invasion approaches on 31 October 2025, Adala UK is urging the government to take action rather than remain silent.

“Recognising the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic would send a powerful message that the United Kingdom stands against occupation and supports the equal rights of all peoples to self-determination,” the organisation concluded.

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