UNHRC: Forty countries reaffirm support for Morocco’s full sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory

Forty countries have reiterated steadfast support for Morocco’s full sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory during the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) convening in Geneva.

In their joint statement read out during the Geneva meeting, these countries lauded Morocco’s constructive & voluntary interaction with the UN human rights system, in particular the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for the promotion and respect of human rights throughout its territory.

The UN Security Council has recognized the role played by Morocco’s national & regional human rights commissions in Dakhla and Laayoune, said the statement, noting that the opening by several countries of consulates in the Moroccan Sahara contributed to strengthening economic cooperation & investment for the benefit of local populations and regional development.

The Security Council recognizes the autonomy plan offered by Morocco for the Sahara under its sovereignty as “realistic” basis for reaching a definitive political solution to the decades-long regional conflict, said the joint statement of Moroccan backers who support the UN-led political process engaged in accordance with Security Council resolutions, in particular latest resolution 2756, seeking a pragmatic and lasting political solution to the Sahara conflict.

They also affirmed that the settlement of this regional dispute will enable African and Arab people achieve legitimate dreams of integration and shared progress and prosperity.