Sahrawi activist Ghali Abdallah recently spoke at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting the plight of human rights defenders in Western Sahara. She emphasized the need for the Council to protect those who expose human rights abuses, rather than punishing or retaliating against them. Abdallah's intervention was made under the fourth item of the Council's agenda.
Abdallah described the situation of human rights defenders in Western Sahara as dire, citing widespread surveillance, silencing, and punishment of those who advocate for self-determination. She also mentioned the restriction of basic freedoms, impunity, and the failure to return the remains of those who have disappeared. These factors, she argued, exacerbate the suffering of the Sahrawi people.
The Sahrawi activist shared her personal experience of being a survivor of enforced disappearance and facing ongoing restrictions, including being denied access to electricity as a basic right. Despite obtaining two court judgments in her favor from Moroccan administrative courts, Abdallah has been unable to enjoy this fundamental right for years.
Abdallah also drew attention to the continued receipt of allegations regarding the targeting of Sahrawi human rights defenders by the Special Procedures until 2026. She cited the case of lawyer Amhamed Hali, among others, as examples of the ongoing challenges faced by defenders in Western Sahara.
The activist referenced recent concerns expressed by the Committee against Torture regarding human rights abuses against Sahrawi human rights defenders, including those imprisoned in connection with the Akdim Izik events. Abdallah stressed that the international community must not turn a blind eye to these abuses simply because access to the territory is restricted or the issue is considered political.
Abdallah urged the Human Rights Council to take action to protect human rights defenders in Western Sahara, rather than allowing them to be punished or silenced. She emphasized that it is essential to ensure that those who expose human rights abuses are able to do so without fear of reprisal.
The situation in Western Sahara remains a pressing concern for human rights organizations and activists. The international community must take concrete steps to address the systemic abuses faced by Sahrawi human rights defenders and ensure that their rights are protected.
Key points
- The Sahrawi activist Ghali Abdallah spoke at the 63rd UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, highlighting the situation of human rights defenders in Western Sahara.
- Abdallah described the situation of human rights defenders in Western Sahara as dire, citing widespread surveillance, silencing, and punishment.
- The activist urged the Human Rights Council to protect human rights defenders in Western Sahara, rather than allowing them to be punished or silenced.
