40 Countries Reaffirm Support for Moroccan Sahara at UN Human Rights Council
Growing International Support: 40 Nations Back Morocco’s Sovereignty over Western Sahara at UN Human Rights Council
In a powerful display of solidarity, forty nations voiced their support for Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. This significant backing underscores the growing international recognition of Morocco’s autonomy plan as a viable path towards resolving the long-standing dispute.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Dominican Republic’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Hector Virgilio Alcántara, emphasized Morocco’s commitment to human rights. He highlighted the nation’s “constructive, voluntary, and deep” engagement with the UN human rights system, particularly the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). This ongoing collaboration, Alcántara noted, aims to bolster the protection and respect for human rights throughout Morocco.
The statement further acknowledged the UN Security Council’s recognition of the vital role played by the two regional human rights committees in Dakhla and Laayoune. These committees, established by Morocco, demonstrate the nation’s dedication to transparency and cooperation with international mechanisms.
Further solidifying international confidence in the region, the statement welcomed the establishment of several consulates in the cities of Dakhla and Laayoune by various countries. This diplomatic influx not only signifies growing recognition of Moroccan sovereignty but also paves the way for enhanced economic cooperation and investment, ultimately benefiting local populations and fostering regional development.
The group reiterated that the Western Sahara issue is inherently a political dispute under the purview of the UN Security Council. The Council, in its Resolution 2703 of October 30, 2023, recognized the legitimacy and credibility of Morocco’s autonomy initiative as a realistic and pragmatic solution to the conflict. This resolution underscores the international community’s growing consensus on the need for a mutually acceptable political solution based on compromise.
The statement concluded with a call for renewed efforts to revitalize the UN-led political process. This process, the group emphasized, should be guided by the framework established during the Geneva Roundtables and grounded in the principles of realism, practicality, and consensus.
The resounding support from 40 nations at the UN Human Rights Council signifies a turning point in the Western Sahara issue. It reflects a growing global understanding of the situation’s complexities and a shared commitment to achieving a lasting and peaceful resolution through dialogue and cooperation.