Morocco has been illegally occupying Western Sahara for nearly 50 years. Over 30 years ago the people of Western Sahara were promised self-determination, in the form of a referendum, in which they would choose between independence and integration with Morocco — to end the conflict and the occupation.
Instead of moves towards peace and a referendum, Morocco has extended and deepened its brutal occupation. The Saharawi people have had their rights to freedom of information, freedom of assembly and freedom of movement systematically violated. Human Rights organisations have documented police violence, false imprisonment, unfair trials, sexual violence and torture.
At the end of October, the UN Security Council (UNSC) will vote on whether to renew its mission to facilitate a referendum. The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), should not just be renewed to fulfil its original purpose by setting a firm date for a free and fair referendum, but further strengthened to monitor and report on human rights abuses.
The UK government, as one of 15 members of the UNSC, has an important voice in this decision. Will you email your MP today to demand it uses its position to secure the rights of the Saharawi people?
