UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has submitted a strategic review report on the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). The report, mandated by Security Council Resolution 2797, assesses potential support for the return of refugees from Tindouf camps and disarmament, demobilization, return, resettlement, and reintegration efforts. Guterres highlights that in the event of a political breakthrough, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is prepared to provide protection and support for the voluntary return of Sahrawi refugees.
The UNHCR would provide protection and technical expertise to facilitate the return of refugees in safety and dignity. The return process would be based on individual, free, and informed choices, conducted in accordance with international protection standards. Early and meaningful consultations with refugees are crucial to understanding their intentions, concerns, and protection needs. This information would inform the design and sequencing of any return or reintegration interventions.
Guterres emphasizes that the UNHCR is well-positioned to provide protection and technical expertise, leveraging its long-standing experience in neutrality, humanitarianism, and non-politicization. The agency could facilitate arrangements for return, in close coordination with all parties involved, including host countries. This might include confidence-building measures, such as "pre-viewing" visits, allowing refugees to assess conditions while maintaining their protection in the country of asylum.
Regarding disarmament, demobilization, return, resettlement, and reintegration, Guterres notes that if a potential agreement includes such a process, a future UN mission could support parties in designing and implementing the return and reintegration of Polisario Front combatants. MINURSO, in close coordination with parties, could identify and agree on return routes and transit corridors, facilitating safe passage from current locations to designated resettlement sites.
The report also highlights the importance of addressing the issue of landmines in Western Sahara, one of the most contaminated regions in the world. Demining activities must continue throughout the territory, regardless of the final agreement's form. These efforts are crucial for enabling any UN presence or operation, as well as ensuring the freedom of movement and general safety of civilians in the territory.
Guterres stresses that in the event of a UN mission remaining in the area, utilizing the existing support structure of MINURSO would be essential. This approach would be more cost-effective than dismantling the current structure and building a new one. The report also underscores the need for coordination with the International Organization for Migration, relevant organizations, and Algeria, given the large number of cases in the Tindouf region.
The strategic review highlights the complexities and challenges involved in addressing the Western Sahara conflict. A lasting solution will require careful planning, coordination, and support from the international community. The UN Secretary-General's report provides a framework for considering the potential roles and responsibilities of MINURSO and other stakeholders in promoting a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- UNHCR prepared to provide protection for Sahrawi refugees in event of political breakthrough.
- MINURSO's potential role in supporting disarmament, demobilization, return, resettlement, and reintegration efforts.
- Continued demining activities essential for enabling UN presence and ensuring civilian safety in Western Sahara.
