UN Nelson Mandela Prize: Spanish Organization “Strongly” Condemns Morocco’s Candidacy
The Spanish Progressive Union of Prosecutors (UPF) has “strongly” condemned Morocco’s candidacy for the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize awarded by the United Nations. They described this nomination as a “betrayal” of the values championed by the renowned South African activist and a “direct insult” to the sacrifices of peoples still enduring the burdens of colonialism.
In a statement, the UPF expressed its deep concern, asserting, “The Progressive Union of Prosecutors firmly condemns the nomination of the Kingdom of Morocco, represented by the president of its National Human Rights Council, for the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize —an award that celebrates those who dedicate their lives to fighting against apartheid and colonialism and defending human dignity.”
According to the UPF, Morocco’s candidacy—emerging from a regime that continues to unlawfully occupy a territory internationally recognized as non-self-governing, specifically Western Sahara—symbolizes liberation and justice. They argue it is “not only a betrayal of Mandela’s values but also a direct affront to the sacrifices of peoples still under the yoke of occupation.”
The organization maintained that before seeking recognition through a prestigious human rights award, Morocco must release the many Sahrawi political prisoners, end its illegal occupation of Western Sahara, cease its blatant human rights violations, and adhere to international and humanitarian law.
Furthermore, they stated that Amina Bouayach, Morocco’s nominee for this prize, “does not deserve any honor or reward while the regime she represents plunders the resources of an unarmed people, suppresses their freedoms, silences their voices, persecutes activists, tortures prisoners, and violates the dignity of detainees, even boasting about it.”
In this context, the UPF denounced Morocco’s utilization of the United Nations and Mandela’s legacy in a public relations campaign aimed at “whitewashing the image of Moroccan occupation,” asserting that the actions of the Makhzen are a significant scandal that cannot be tolerated.
