nouvelle expulsion d’une délégation espagnole par l’occupant marocain
Summary of the Situation in Western Sahara: Spanish Delegation Expelled
On Friday, a Spanish delegation dedicated to observing and reporting on human rights in the occupied territories of Western Sahara was expelled by Moroccan authorities upon their arrival in Laâyoune. The delegation members, including Jesus Maestro— a former Aragon parliament member— Rosa Fernandez, and journalist Gara Santana Suarez, have over 30 years of experience advocating for the rights of the Sahrawi people through the organization "Um Draiga." They were not allowed to disembark from their flight, as plainclothes agents reportedly ordered them to stay on the plane without providing any justification for their actions.
The primary goal of the delegation was to investigate and document human rights violations in the occupied Sahrawi territories and to denounce the exploitation of natural resources in that area by European companies with Moroccan complicity. The Spanish Coordination Committee of Solidarity Associations with Western Sahara (CEAS)—of which Um Draiga is a member—publicly condemned the expulsion, describing it as yet another instance of Morocco’s illegal and authoritarian practices designed to suppress critique of human rights abuses that occur on a daily basis in the occupied territories.
CEAS pointed out that this expulsion is part of a broader pattern, noting several similar incidents in recent months that reveal Morocco’s systematic attempts to prevent investigations and oversight of the situation in Western Sahara. They emphasized that such actions violate the rights of individuals attempting to provide information and highlight ongoing abuses, reflecting a breach of freedom of expression and international law.
Furthermore, the committee expressed deep concern over the Spanish government’s apparent indifference to repeated detentions and expulsions of Spanish citizens and representatives from the occupied areas. They criticized the lack of a firm response from Madrid, asserting that this silence cannot persist. The CEAS called for Spain to adopt a robust stance aligned with international law and the principles of justice that the nation should uphold.
The organization highlighted that the Sahrawi people have been enduring illegal occupation for nearly five decades, during which their right to self-determination remains unacknowledged. They urged the Spanish government and the international community to take immediate action to halt human rights abuses in the occupied territories and to ensure respect for the Sahrawis’ right to self-determination as established by international law.
In summary, the recent expulsion of the Spanish delegation by Moroccan authorities exemplifies the ongoing struggle for human rights and self-determination in Western Sahara. It underscores the frustrations of advocates who are repeatedly hindered in their efforts to report on the dire situation faced by the Sahrawi people. The call for the Spanish government and global community to address these critical issues becomes increasingly urgent in ensuring a resolution to the longstanding conflict and regard for human rights.
