Advocacy for Naama Asfari's Rights
CIVICUS, the global alliance dedicated to empowering civil society, has issued a critical appeal to the Moroccan authorities and the international community to ensure the safety and justice of Sahrawi human rights defender, Naama Asfari. Following his recent conclusion of a grueling 47-day hunger strike on July 24, 2026, there is heightened concern regarding Asfari's health and overall well-being. He has endured unjust imprisonment at Kenitra Central Prison in Morocco for over 15 years due to his involvement in the 2010 Gdeim Izik events, highlighting the necessity for sustained international scrutiny of his case.
Asfari's detention has been extensively examined by various international human rights bodies, with findings from the United Nations Committee against Torture revealing that he has faced torture and ill-treatment. This committee has called for effective remedies to address these violations. Furthermore, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has deemed his imprisonment arbitrary, urging compliance with international legal standards.
Demands for Immediate Action
The alarming context surrounding Asfari’s prolonged hunger strike, coupled with reports of restricted communication with his family, emphasizes the urgent need to protect his health and fundamental rights. The Moroccan government holds a crucial responsibility to safeguard the lives of all individuals in detention, ensuring they receive essential medical care and maintain regular contact with their families and legal counsel.
CIVICUS has outlined several demands directed at the Moroccan authorities, which include: providing Naama Asfari with prompt and independent medical assistance following his extended hunger strike; guaranteeing his physical safety and mental health; upholding his rights and those of other detained human rights defenders in alignment with Morocco's international human rights commitments; implementing recommendations from UN human rights entities; and ultimately ending his arbitrary detention by lifting unfounded charges against him.
Furthermore, CIVICUS calls on the global community and relevant UN human rights mechanisms to continue monitoring Asfari’s situation closely, advocating for the enforcement of international human rights recommendations. In solidarity with Naama Asfari, his family, and all human rights defenders facing persecution for their advocacy, CIVICUS reaffirms its commitment through the Stand As My Witness campaign, striving to amplify the voices of imprisoned defenders and mobilize international action to secure their safety and freedom.
As reported by civicus.org.
