The Sahrawi National Commission for Human Rights has sent an urgent message to the International Committee of the Red Cross, calling for immediate intervention to end the Moroccan occupation's human rights abuses against Sahrawi detainees. The message, sent by commission head Abba Salek El Hissene, highlights the deteriorating situation in occupied Western Sahara, where detainees face inhumane treatment and violations of their rights. El Hissene emphasized that the situation is becoming increasingly dire, with some detainees on hunger strike for years.
El Hissene specifically mentioned the case of nine Sahrawi political detainees from the "Akdim Izik" group, who have been on hunger strike since September 23 in Moroccan prisons. He stated that these detainees, along with others, are subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment by the Moroccan prison administration, despite being prisoners of war under international humanitarian law. The detainees' families also face harassment and are denied visitation rights. El Hissene stressed that the Red Cross has a responsibility to act, given its mandate under the Geneva Conventions.
The Sahrawi human rights chief recalled that the detainees, including those from the "Akdim Izik" group, have been on hunger strike for years, protesting their detention and treatment. He noted that the Moroccan occupation authorities have ignored their legitimate demands, which align with international humanitarian law. El Hissene urged the Red Cross to take immediate action to protect the detainees and ensure their rights are respected. He also called for the release of all Sahrawi political detainees held in Moroccan prisons.
El Hissene expressed concern that the Red Cross's inaction would embolden the Moroccan occupation to continue its abuses. He argued that any delay in intervention would be seen as complicity with the Moroccan occupation's policies. The Sahrawi human rights chief emphasized that the Red Cross has a critical role to play in protecting civilians and prisoners of war under international humanitarian law. He urged the organization to visit the detainees and assess their conditions firsthand.
The situation in occupied Western Sahara is becoming increasingly tense, with the Moroccan occupation launching a campaign of repression against Sahrawi civilians and detainees. El Hissene noted that the occupation's actions are taking place under the watch of the United Nations and its mission in the region, which is mandated to organize a referendum in Western Sahara. He stressed that the Red Cross must act quickly to prevent further abuses and protect the rights of Sahrawi civilians.
El Hissene also called for the Red Cross to investigate the fate of over 400 missing Sahrawis and to pressure the Moroccan occupation to open the occupied territories to international media, observers, and parliamentary delegations. He argued that the Red Cross's silence in the face of human rights abuses is tantamount to complicity with the Moroccan occupation. The Sahrawi human rights chief urged the organization to take a more active role in protecting the rights of Sahrawi civilians and detainees.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has yet to respond to the Sahrawi National Commission for Human Rights' urgent appeal. The organization's inaction has raised concerns among human rights advocates, who argue that it has a critical role to play in protecting civilians and prisoners of war in conflict zones. The situation in occupied Western Sahara remains dire, with Sahrawi detainees facing inhumane conditions and human rights abuses.
Key points
- Sahrawi human rights chief Abba Salek El Hissene urges Red Cross to intervene over dire conditions faced by detainees in Moroccan prisons.
- Nine Sahrawi political detainees from "Akdim Izik" group on hunger strike since September 23 in Moroccan prisons.
- El Hissene calls for Red Cross to visit detainees, assess conditions, and pressure Moroccan occupation to respect human rights.
