Western Sahara is a “non-self-governing territory” as designated by the United Nations, meaning that while it is an independent entity, its people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government. Western Sahara is located on the coast of West Africa, directly under Morocco. Its economy is small and market-based, focused on fishing, phosphate mining, and pastoral nomadism.
Prior to 1975, Western Sahara was a Spanish colony. When Spain exited the region, Morocco invaded Western Sahara and attempted to assert sovereignty over the region through annexation, citing cultural and political ties. A brutal war was waged between Morocco and the indigenous Sahrawi people. Morocco, eventually gained control over 80% of Western Sahara territory until 1991 when the United Nations brokered a ceasefire. The UN established a mission to hold a referendum on whether Western Sahara should become an independent state or to become part of Morocco, but this referendum has been repeatedly stalled by disputes over voting eligibility.
The Sahrawi people who live under Moroccan control and occupation in Western Sahara territory are routinely harassed, tortured, detained, disappeared, and denied access to due process. Tensions erupt between Moroccan security forces and the Sahrawi people frequently, and as recently as November 2020 fighting resumed. In late 2020, the United States officially recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, under cutting the rights of the Sahrawi people to determine their own governance and furthering the conflict.
In September 2021 the Court of Justice of the European Union issued a decision annulling an agriculture and fishing trade partnership between the European Union and Morocco. Because the treaties concerned the rights and resources of Western Sahara, they were a third party to the treaties and their consent was required. The EU and Morocco did not get consent from Western Sahara, making the agreements null. The Court cited international law and the principle of self-determination, and noted that Western Sahara has separate and distinct status.
In terms of rule of law, Western Sahara is severely lacking. Courts in Western Sahara are controlled by Morocco, so Morocco’s interests reign supreme. Due process is not respected; civil society leaders and advocates are arbitrarily arrested, torture is used to coerce confessions, and prison sentences are excessive.
According to Freedom House’s Freedom in the World Study of 2021, Western Sahara scores -3/40 in Political Rights, and 7/60 in Civil Liberties, ultimately leading it to a score of 4/100, which is not free.
The Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) is committed to working with the people of Western Sahara to ensure that the rule of law is enforced. Since 2020, GLA has been collaborating with Western Sahara advocacy groups and lawyers in efforts to hold Moroccan officials accountable.
Prior to 1975, Western Sahara was a Spanish colony. When Spain exited the region, Morocco invaded Western Sahara and attempted to assert sovereignty over the region through annexation, citing cultural and political ties. A brutal war was waged between Morocco and the indigenous Sahrawi people. Morocco, eventually gained control over 80% of Western Sahara territory until 1991 when the United Nations brokered a ceasefire. The UN established a mission to hold a referendum on whether Western Sahara should become an independent state or to become part of Morocco, but this referendum has been repeatedly stalled by disputes over voting eligibility.
The Sahrawi people who live under Moroccan control and occupation in Western Sahara territory are routinely harassed, tortured, detained, disappeared, and denied access to due process. Tensions erupt between Moroccan security forces and the Sahrawi people frequently, and as recently as November 2020 fighting resumed. In late 2020, the United States officially recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, under cutting the rights of the Sahrawi people to determine their own governance and furthering the conflict.
In September 2021 the Court of Justice of the European Union issued a decision annulling an agriculture and fishing trade partnership between the European Union and Morocco. Because the treaties concerned the rights and resources of Western Sahara, they were a third party to the treaties and their consent was required. The EU and Morocco did not get consent from Western Sahara, making the agreements null. The Court cited international law and the principle of self-determination, and noted that Western Sahara has separate and distinct status.
In terms of rule of law, Western Sahara is severely lacking. Courts in Western Sahara are controlled by Morocco, so Morocco’s interests reign supreme. Due process is not respected; civil society leaders and advocates are arbitrarily arrested, torture is used to coerce confessions, and prison sentences are excessive.
According to Freedom House’s Freedom in the World Study of 2021, Western Sahara scores -3/40 in Political Rights, and 7/60 in Civil Liberties, ultimately leading it to a score of 4/100, which is not free.
The Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) is committed to working with the people of Western Sahara to ensure that the rule of law is enforced. Since 2020, GLA has been collaborating with Western Sahara advocacy groups and lawyers in efforts to hold Moroccan officials accountable.
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