UNHRC: Morocco exposes in Geneva sufferings of Sahrawis sequestered in Tindouf Camps

While Sahrawis sequestered in the Polisario-controlled Tindouf camps are enduring inhumane conditions, their brethren living in Morocco’s southern provinces are enjoying all their rights and participate in the management of public affairs, said on Monday Moroccan justice minister Abdellatif Ouahbi.

Addressing the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), convening in Geneva, the minister said the Moroccan southern provinces are witnessing a major social and economic development benefiting the local inhabitants, contrary to the appalling situation suffered by those sequestered in Tindouf camps in Algeria for nearly half a century.

The sequestered Sahrawis are deprived of their basic rights, including the rights of movement, expression and assembly, added Mr. Ouahbi, noting that they also suffer extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, rape and human trafficking while their children are used as soldiers by the Polisario armed militias.

Regarding the Sahara issue, the minister reiterated Morocco’s support for the UN-led political process and its commitment to the round table format with the participation of all parties under the UN auspices to reach a realistic, feasible and enduring political solution, based on the autonomy plan offered by Morocco under its sovereignty.

The autonomy plan continues to gain a growing international recognition, said Mr. Ouahbi, noting that 91 countries support the Moroccan initiative, while several African, Arab and South American countries have opened consulates in the Moroccan Saharan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, confirming the Moroccanness of the Sahara.