Human Rights Violations in Western Sahara Under Spotlight
Banjul, Gambia, May 9, 2026 (SPS) – The Sahrawi delegation has brought attention to the dire human rights conditions prevailing in the occupied territories of Western Sahara during the NGO Forum, which is being held alongside the 87th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, the capital of Gambia. This pivotal event marks the inaugural participation of Sahrawi civil society in the forum, providing a crucial platform to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and to shed light on the severe violations faced by Sahrawi civilians at the hands of the Moroccan occupation.
The delegation comprises prominent figures including Yakouta El Mokhtar, the President of the Sahrawi Observatory for Natural Resources Monitoring and Environmental Protection and coordinator of the Working Group on Human Rights in Western Sahara; Hassanna Aba Moulay Dahi, Secretary-General of the League for the Protection of Sahrawi Prisoners in Moroccan Prisons; and Abdsalam Omar, President of the Association of Families of Sahrawi Disappeared and Kidnapped Persons. Additionally, Mina Baali, a member of the executive office of the Sahrawi Body Against Moroccan Occupation (ISACOM), adds to the depth of the delegation.
Advocating for Human Rights and Accountability
On the first day of the forum, the Sahrawi representatives underscored the alarming increase in crimes perpetrated by the Moroccan authorities against the Sahrawi people, all occurring amidst a backdrop of international silence and a culture of impunity. The delegation's active engagement in this forum is part of a broader strategy by Sahrawi civil society organizations to ensure that the issue of human rights in Western Sahara remains a focal point in both African and international dialogues. Their participation signifies a continuing commitment to advocate for justice and accountability in the face of adversity.
Throughout the event, the delegation engaged in numerous discussions and meetings with various civil society organizations from participating countries, fostering dialogue on the critical role of African mechanisms in the protection and promotion of human rights. This collaborative effort aims to galvanize support for the Sahrawi cause and to enhance awareness of the pressing human rights challenges faced by the Sahrawi people.
As reported by spsrasd.info.
