Adala UK has formally addressed a letter to the World Humanitarian Drive (WHD) concerning public statements made by its founding president, Dr Abdelbasset Sayed, regarding the status of Western Sahara. These statements, published in Morocco’s Assahra Al Maghribia, endorsed Moroccan sovereignty over the territory and presented the Moroccan autonomy initiative as a definitive solution.

We consider it necessary to clarify that these views do not represent the official position of the United Kingdom and conflict with established international law.

The Legal Context

Western Sahara is recognised by the United Nations as a Non-Self-Governing Territory. Its people retain the inalienable right to self-determination, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice in 1975. The Court explicitly rejected any claims of Moroccan sovereignty, establishing that the future governance of the territory must respect the will of its people.

Further, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has consistently affirmed that Western Sahara is legally separate from Morocco, and that any agreements affecting the territory require the consent of the Sahrawi people, represented by the Polisario Front.

UK Government Position

The UK Government, as confirmed in a formal correspondence dated 9 January 2026, remains committed to a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution and supports the principle of self-determination. UN Security Council Resolution 2797 is regarded as a step in the ongoing political process, not as an endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty or of any predetermined solution.

Adala UK’s Letter to WHD

In the letter, Adala UK:

• Emphasised that the statements published in the Moroccan media reflect personal views and do not represent UK policy;
• Clarified that international law, UN resolutions, and EU jurisprudence do not recognise Moroccan sovereigntyover Western Sahara;
• Reaffirmed the central and lawful role of the Polisario Front as the representative of the Sahrawi people;
• Highlighted the responsibility of civil society actors to ensure their advocacy respects international law and factual accuracy.

We have urged WHD to publicly clarify these points and to ensure that all future engagement with the issue of Western Sahara aligns with international law, UN mandates, and the rights of the Sahrawi people.

Upholding Justice and International Law

The situation in Western Sahara remains a matter of decolonisation and legality. Adala UK continues to advocate for a resolution that is just, sustainable, and grounded in law, reflecting the freely expressed will of the Sahrawi people.

We remain open to constructive dialogue with organisations and actors who share our commitment to human rights, international law, and the principles of justice.

---