The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and World Human Rights (ELDH) has issued a strong condemnation regarding what it terms serious and systematic violations perpetrated by Moroccan authorities against Sahrawi human rights defenders in the occupied territories of Western Sahara. This declaration comes amid growing concerns over the repression faced by activists advocating for the fundamental rights of the Sahrawi people, particularly in their pursuit of self-determination. The ELDH's statement expresses solidarity with prominent Sahrawi activist Ali Salem Tamek, who serves as the President of the Sahrawi Collective of Human Rights Defenders in Western Sahara (CODESA), and highlights the broader context of intimidation faced by human rights advocates in the region.
In its official statement, the ELDH denounced the persistent pattern of harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detentions targeting those defending human rights in occupied Western Sahara. The association emphasized its concern regarding the escalating use of isolation tactics and movement restrictions implemented by authorities to inhibit solidarity actions, obstruct human rights monitoring, and punish defenders advocating for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. The harsh reality faced by these activists has been underscored by alarming reports, particularly concerning the besiegement of the home of human rights defender Hussein Moujahid in Laayoune by Moroccan forces, effectively cutting off access and resources to those seeking to uphold human rights in the area.
Moreover, the ELDH highlighted that Ali Salem Tamek and his family have been forced to relocate to the residence of Hussein Moujahid due to mounting pressure from Moroccan authorities on their former landlord. This tactic not only restricts their ability to host human rights activities but also exemplifies the ongoing repression faced by all members of CODESA, who continue to experience harassment, restrictions on peaceful assembly, and surveillance. The situation has escalated to the point where CODESA Vice-President Khadijetou El-Doueihi is subjected to continual monitoring, a clear indication of the broader campaign targeting Sahrawi activists.
The ELDH asserted that these incidents are not isolated events but are part of a systematic pattern of reprisals against human rights defenders throughout the occupied territory. Such actions are characterized as collective punishment aimed at silencing voices that document and denounce human rights abuses. The association reaffirmed its commitment to releasing a detailed report from a fact-finding mission that will shed light on these violations.
In a direct appeal to Moroccan authorities, the ELDH called for the immediate cessation of arbitrary detentions, forced transfers, and isolation tactics targeting Sahrawi human rights defenders. The organization emphasized the need for the authorities to ensure the physical and psychological safety of these individuals so they can perform their legitimate human rights work without fear of intimidation or retaliation. The statement concluded with a reminder to the European Union of its moral and legal obligations to uphold international law, including human rights standards, and to support the right to self-determination for all peoples.
As reported by echoroukonline.com.
