Une rapporteuse de l’ONU exprime ses « vives préoccupations » concernant le harcèlement d’un militant sahraoui par le Maroc
Summary of the Situation in Western Sahara: Concerns Raised by UN Rapporteur
On Thursday, Mary Lawlor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, voiced serious concerns regarding the intimidation and harassment faced by Ali Salem Tamek, the president of the Sahrawi Human Rights Defenders Collective (CODESA) in Western Sahara. These concerns were articulated through a post on social media where Lawlor highlighted various threats, including defamation, restrictions on movement, and limitations on assembly imposed by the Moroccan government.
In February, Lawlor, along with other UN experts, submitted a formal communication to the Moroccan government expressing alarm over Tamek’s situation. They noted persistent harassment, physical attacks, political threats, and close surveillance by security agents near Tamek’s residence. The experts underscored that these actions seem to stem from Tamek’s advocacy for human rights and his exercise of free speech, particularly regarding alleged human rights violations and inappropriate detention conditions in the region.
The experts expressed concern that such practices create a chilling effect on civil society, effectively deterring others from engaging in human rights work. The actions against Tamek are said to contravene several articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Morocco ratified in 1979. Key articles relevant here include Article 19, which guarantees freedom of expression; Article 21, which protects the right to peaceful assembly; and Article 12, which ensures freedom of movement.
According to the communication sent to Rabat, Tamek has encountered recurrent travel bans and other forms of harassment. Despite the UN’s outreach, the harassment continued into February and March, including police intimidation and attempts to evict him from his rented accommodation.
The pattern of abuse faced by Tamek not only reflects pressing human rights issues in Western Sahara but also underscores the broader challenges that human rights defenders encounter in regions where their advocacy is met with hostility. The UN’s ongoing scrutiny indicates a commitment to advocating for the safety and rights of individuals like Tamek, while simultaneously pressuring the Moroccan government to adhere to its international obligations concerning human rights.
These violations of rights serve to stifle dissent and raise alarms among international observers, reinforcing a pressing need for accountability, protection of defenders, and a conducive environment for open dialogue and advocacy in the region.
