Le défenseur sahraoui des droits de l’Homme M’hamed Hali remporte le prix international réservé aux militants les plus en danger
Summary of M’hamed Hali’s Recognition as a Human Rights Defender
Background on M’hamed Hali
M’hamed Hali, a Sahrawi human rights defender, has been awarded the "Front Line Defenders" prize for 2025, recognizing his outstanding commitment as an activist under severe danger. This accolade is a testament to his relentless fight for the rights of his people in Western Sahara, which is currently under Moroccan occupation. Hali’s journey to this recognition has been fraught with challenges, particularly as he has faced systemic repression aimed at silencing human rights advocates in the region.
Advocacy and Challenges
Hali has persistently aspired to practice law, focusing on human rights advocacy. In his statement following the award announcement, he emphasized that this recognition fuels his resolve to continue fighting for his right to practice as a lawyer. He expressed a long-held dream to defend the rights of the Sahrawi people and celebrate those who risk their lives to advocate for human rights in Western Sahara.
He dedicated the award to fellow defenders who endure imprisonment and hardship, highlighting their significant efforts despite the dangers they face. Hali’s work, supported by a coalition of Sahrawi and international human rights defenders, sheds light on the dire conditions facing activists in occupied Western Sahara, where there is a blatant policy of impunity by Moroccan authorities.
Broader Human Rights Situation
The coalition, known as the Working Group on Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara, has pointed out that Hali’s award underscores the appalling state of human rights in the region, particularly for those like him who are under constant threat. They denounce Morocco’s blockade of the territory and the denial of access for international human rights observers and media outlets.
Legal expert Toni Severon noted that Hali’s case is illustrative of the broader reprisals faced by human rights defenders in Western Sahara. The prize acknowledges his significant efforts to document the realities that Morocco attempts to obscure from the international community.
Legal Restrictions
Despite his qualifications and commitment to advocating for human rights, the Moroccan judicial system has barred Hali from practicing law, primarily due to his stance on the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Hali’s situation has garnered substantial international attention over the past six years, invoking responses from various organizations and even the UN’s special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers. His plight has also been referenced in the latest report from the UN Secretary-General regarding the situation in Western Sahara.
Conclusion
M’hamed Hali’s recognition as a recipient of the "Front Line Defenders" award is not merely a personal achievement; it serves as a beacon for the ongoing struggle for human rights in Western Sahara. His dedication and the sacrifices made by many in the region underscore the urgent need for global awareness and support for those fighting for basic rights and freedoms under oppressive regimes.
