appel au rejet de toutes activités touristiques reniant le droit à l’autodétermination
Summary of the Situation in Western Sahara
The Western Sahara region is not a typical tourist destination. The Centre for Analysis of Western Sahara (CASO) emphasizes that any economic activity within this territory must adhere to international law and require the consent of the Sahrawi people. The CASO urges tourists, associations, and industry professionals to reject tourism that trivializes occupation and denies the right to self-determination for the Sahrawi.
Currently, French company Decathlon, through its subsidiary Decathlon Travel, is offering various tourist packages in Dakhla, located in occupied Western Sahara. These packages include entertainment and sporting activities. However, CASO argues that these offerings are not benign; rather, they raise serious legal and ethical considerations under international public law and European Union law.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has clarified that, as per its ruling on October 4, 2024, Western Sahara is recognized as a separate and distinct territory from Morocco under international law. The Court has stated that any exploitation of resources or economic activities in this territory without the consent of the Sahrawi people—represented legally by the Polisario Front—is illegal.
Engaging in commercial tourism in occupied Western Sahara without consulting or obtaining the consent of the Sahrawi people exposes companies to significant legal risks. CASO highlights several potential repercussions, including violations of international humanitarian law, indirect support for an occupying power, complicity in the illegal exploitation of a non-self-governing territory, and civil liability for economic harm caused to an oppressed population.
Legal Context
Understanding the legal implications surrounding tourism in Western Sahara is crucial. The region’s unique status, as determined by international law, categorizes it as a territory that is not fully self-governing. The consent of the Sahrawi people is essential for any activities that affect their land and resources.
The implications of the ECJ ruling extend beyond mere legal rhetoric. Companies engaging in tourism activities in Western Sahara must navigate complex legal frameworks that can expose them to significant liabilities. The CASO’s message urges stakeholders to consider the broader ethical implications of promoting tourism in an area that lacks clear sovereign governance.
Ethical Considerations
The CASO’s position highlights a moral obligation on the part of the tourism industry to respect the rights of indigenous populations. The call to action for consumers and professionals within the tourism sector underscores the potential for complicity in human rights violations through the support of activities that may normalize the status quo of occupation.
Tourism, when misaligned with ethical practices, can contribute to the exploitation and further marginalization of already vulnerable communities. The promotion of tourism in occupied areas not only disregards the principles of self-determination but also risks trivializing the struggles faced by the Sahrawi people in their quest for autonomy and recognition.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The CASO’s publication is a reminder for both consumers and industry professionals to approach tourism in Western Sahara with caution and respect for international laws and the rights of the Sahrawi people. Stakeholders are encouraged to advocate for responsible tourism that aligns with ethical guidelines and legal standards, and to reject any forms of participation that may contribute to the ongoing occupation and neglect of the Sahrawi’s rights to self-determination.
In summary, Western Sahara presents unique challenges and responsibilities for any economic activities, particularly tourism, that take place in the region. As the landscape of international law continues to evolve, the recognition and respect for the rights of indigenous peoples must remain at the forefront of all discussions and actions related to tourism in occupied territories.
