Moroccan Human Rights Association Reaffirms Support for Sahrawi Self-Determination
The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH), one of Morocco’s most prominent human rights organizations, has firmly reiterated its stance in support of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Aziz Ghali, the president of AMDH, emphasized that this position aligns with the principles upheld by the United Nations, rejecting claims by Moroccan authorities that the conflict in Western Sahara has been resolved.
In a recent statement to the press, Ghali clarified the association’s unwavering commitment to the Sahrawi cause, declaring, “Our position is clear: the Sahrawi people have the right to independence.” He further highlighted the conclusions of AMDH’s fifth congress, where the organization formally endorsed the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination.
Ghali unequivocally dismissed Morocco’s proposed autonomy plan, asserting, “We support a negotiated solution between the parties involved in the conflict—the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front—a solution that is mutually acceptable and grounded in international legitimacy. This cannot be achieved through Morocco’s unilateral autonomy proposal.”
The AMDH president underscored the United Nations’ insistence on ongoing negotiations as evidence that the conflict remains unresolved, stating, “The reference point for human rights in Western Sahara is the UN framework, which mandates a negotiated resolution to the dispute.” He further downplayed the significance of Morocco’s unilateral claims of sovereignty over the territory, explaining, “The UN Security Council does not consist solely of the United States and France; there are other members who support a negotiated solution. Even the U.S. position on this matter remains undecided.”
Highlighting the broader implications of the conflict, Ghali pointed out that the establishment of a state governed by the rule of law and respect for legitimate rights is essential to ensuring Morocco’s stability. His remarks were a subtle critique of the Moroccan regime’s approach, which he argued has exacerbated regional tensions.
The AMDH’s stance aligns with numerous Moroccan civil society organizations and human rights defenders who support the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. The Democratic Way party (La Voie Démocratique), for instance, has consistently called for resolving the Western Sahara conflict within the framework of this principle.
As the dispute over Western Sahara continues to draw international attention, the AMDH’s resolute support for a fair and lasting solution underscores the pressing need for credible, UN-led negotiations. By advocating for the Sahrawi people’s inalienable right to self-determination, the organization reinforces the universal principles of justice and human dignity.
