A group of 40 countries has reaffirmed its support for Morocco's full and complete sovereignty over its southern provinces and backed the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the basis for resolving the Western Sahara dispute. This statement was delivered by Morocco's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Omar Zniber, during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council. The group described the Sahara issue as a political dispute that falls under the authority of the UN Security Council.
The 40 countries stressed that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could provide a viable solution to the Western Sahara dispute. They also expressed support for UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025, which calls for negotiations between the parties based on Morocco's Autonomy Proposal. The resolution seeks a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution and recognizes that genuine autonomy could be a feasible outcome.
The group welcomed Morocco's decision to update and further detail its Autonomy Plan, and recognized Morocco's commitment to the return and integration of people from the Tindouf camps on the basis of equality among Moroccan citizens. The statement also welcomed Morocco's cooperation with the UN human rights system, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Council's special procedures.
The countries pointed to the growing number of foreign consulates in the southern Moroccan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, describing the diplomatic presence as a way to strengthen economic cooperation and investment and support development in the region. They said that settling the dispute would contribute to greater regional integration and development in Africa and the Arab world.
The Geneva statement comes amid growing international support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan, with more than 130 countries now backing the initiative. Several major European powers have also endorsed Rabat's position, including France, which has described the Moroccan plan as the basis for a negotiated settlement.
Other countries that have backed Morocco's position include the UK, which has called the plan the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a lasting settlement. Denmark reaffirmed its support for the Moroccan initiative in September, describing it as a good basis for an agreed solution. Portugal has also backed the plan, while Spain continues to support Morocco's approach.
Morocco has continued to strengthen its diplomatic presence in the territory, with more than 30 foreign consulates now operating in Laayoune and Dakhla. The shift has strengthened Morocco's diplomatic position, particularly since the adoption of Resolution 2797, which made Morocco's Autonomy Proposal the basis for the UN-led negotiations.
Key points
- The 40 countries' statement supports Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara and backs the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the basis for resolving the dispute.
- More than 130 countries now back Morocco's Autonomy Plan, including several major European powers such as France, the UK, and Denmark.
- The growing international support for Morocco's position has strengthened its diplomatic standing, particularly in comparison to Algeria and the Polisario Front.
