Sahrawi Activist M’hamed Hali Receives “Front Line Defenders” Award
Sahrawi human rights defender M’hamed Hali has been awarded the “Front Line Defenders” Award for 2025, honoring activists who face significant dangers. This recognition highlights years of struggle to stand up for his right to practice law amid a growing campaign of systematic repression against human rights defenders in Western Sahara, currently occupied by Morocco.
Upon receiving the award, Hali expressed his deep gratitude, stating, “This prize strengthens my resolve to continue fighting for my right to practice law. For many years, my dream has been to work as a human rights lawyer, defending my people and the Sahrawi human rights activists currently imprisoned in Moroccan jails.” He further emphasized, “I dedicate this award to all Sahrawi human rights defenders for their tireless efforts in protecting human rights, despite the immense personal risks they face.”
In this context, the Working Group on Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara—a coalition of Sahrawi and international human rights defenders—pointed out that this recognition “sheds light on the dire human rights conditions faced by endangered defenders in the occupied parts of Western Sahara, including M’hamed Hali, given the ongoing culture of impunity enjoyed by Morocco.”
The group added that “by recognizing M’hamed Hali and his work, Front Line Defenders powerfully highlights a region that remains closed off to international human rights observers and media.”
International Attorney Tone Sørfonn Moe noted that the case of Sahrawi activist M’hamed Hali “exemplifies the retaliation faced by Sahrawi human rights defenders. This award acknowledges their crucial work in documenting a reality Morocco seeks to conceal from the world.”
The Moroccan judicial system has barred M’hamed Hali from practicing law due to his advocacy for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Over the past six years, his case has drawn considerable international attention, including interventions from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, as well as campaigns and appeals from international organizations demanding his right to practice law.
His situation was also brought up in the latest report from the UN Secretary-General regarding the situation in Western Sahara.
