Un syndicaliste espagnol avertit contre les atteintes aux droits humains au Sahara occidental
David Blanco: A Call to Attention on Human Rights Violations in Western Sahara
David Blanco, the Secretary for International Relations of the Spanish General Confederation of Labor (CGT), recently faced expulsion from Moroccan-occupied Dakhla after a brief visit. His experience serves as a stark warning about the escalating human rights violations perpetrated by the Moroccan authorities, commonly referred to as the Makhzen, in Western Sahara.
Upon his expulsion in early March, Blanco articulated his concerns regarding Morocco’s campaign of oppression and its fear of global scrutiny. He asserted that the Moroccan government aims to suppress information about its daily repression of civilians living in occupied Sahrawi territories. He contended that the Makhzen is acutely aware that the exposure of its “serious violations” of human rights could fuel international condemnation, which is why access to these regions is tightly controlled. Observers, human rights defenders, trade unionists, and journalists face strict prohibitions from entering the occupied territories.
Describing his arrival in Dakhla, Blanco recounted a distinctly unusual experience at the airport. He was required to surrender his passport before reaching the control point, a process similar for all travelers. He witnessed both civilian police at the airport terminal and at his hotel, suggesting a heavy surveillance presence designed to intimidate and control visitors. Following an extensive and clandestine follow-up by police vehicles, Blanco was expelled from the territory after barely a day’s visit.
Addressing the alarming increase in rights abuses during his statement, Blanco emphasized the dangers present in the absence of a proper United Nations mechanism to monitor human rights in the region. He condemned the Makhzen’s repression of dissent, noting how those who dare to express their opinions or critique the regime—especially on social media—face dire consequences. Foreigners communicating with Sahrawi activists and human rights defenders are also classified as undesirable and are frequently expelled from Western Sahara.
Blanco further condemned the daily realities faced by Sahrawis, which include reprisals, torture, arbitrary arrests, and forced disappearances. He expressed that such harsh conditions could be difficult for individuals in Europe to fully grasp or believe. Therefore, he asserted, it is the responsibility of international observers to bring attention to these violations occurring in occupied cities.
Throughout his statements, Blanco reiterated the CGT’s commitment to supporting oppressed peoples fighting for their right to self-determination, reaffirming his continued advocacy for the Sahrawi cause. The plight of the Sahrawi people underscores the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights, revealing broader implications of international complicity in human rights issues across occupied territories.
In conclusion, David Blanco’s experience serves as an urgent reminder of the need for international awareness and action regarding the human rights abuses occurring in Western Sahara. His call for vigilance and advocacy highlights the importance of amplifying voices from oppressed regions and challenging oppressive governance that seeks to silence dissent.
