The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights has condemned grave violations against Sahrawi human rights defenders by Moroccan authorities in the occupied Western Sahara. The condemnation came in a statement issued by the association, expressing its solidarity with Ali Salem Tamek, head of the Sahrawi Defenders of Human Rights Association in Western Sahara (CODESA), and other Sahrawi human rights defenders in the occupied part of Western Sahara. The association voiced its "deep concern" regarding the "increasing use of isolation tactics and movement restrictions to prevent solidarity actions." The group stated that these practices aim to "obstruct the monitoring of the human rights situation and punish defenders advocating for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination." It added that these actions "reveal a pattern of retaliatory acts and collective punishment directed against Sahrawi human rights activists."
Details of Restrictions and Harassment
The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights voiced concern regarding the increasing use of isolation tactics and movement restrictions aimed at preventing solidarity actions, hindering human rights monitoring, and punishing defenders advocating for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. The association expressed deep concern over reports indicating that Moroccan authorities imposed a de facto siege on the home of Sahrawi human rights defender Hussein Mujahid in the occupied city of Laayoune. This siege reportedly began on the night of May 19.
Ali Salem Tamek, head of the Sahrawi Defenders of Human Rights Association in Western Sahara (CODESA), is currently residing at Hussein Mujahid's home with his family. Reports indicate that occupation authorities surrounded Hussein Mujahid's residence, preventing human rights defenders and relatives from entering, and cut off electricity to the property. CODESA members continue to face restrictions on their freedom of peaceful assembly and harassment, a situation that has drew significant attention from international human rights organizations. The deputy head of CODESA, Khadijtou El Duihi, is reportedly subjected to continuous surveillance and intimidation around her home by Moroccan authorities, further noting the widespread nature of these restrictions.
Pattern of Retaliation
The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights stated that the treatment of CODESA members reflects similar retaliatory actions targeting human rights defenders throughout the occupied Western Sahara. According to the association, these incidents reveal a pattern of retaliatory actions and collective punishment directed against Sahrawi human rights defenders. The European Association stated that what CODESA members are subjected to is part of similar retaliatory actions targeting human rights defenders across the occupied Western Sahara. The organization called for an immediate end to arbitrary detention, forced displacement, and isolation tactics currently used against these individuals. The association urged authorities to ensure the physical and psychological safety of Sahrawi human rights defenders. It also called for enabling human rights defenders in Western Sahara to carry out their peaceful and legitimate work without fear of reprisal or harassment, emphasizing the importance of protecting civic space.
EU Obligations and Calls to Action
The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights asserted that the European Union is obligated, under its founding values and legal commitments, to ensure its external policies and actions comply with international law. This includes respect for human rights and the right of peoples to self-determination, the association stated. The European Union, according to the association, "ملزم، بموجب قيمه التأسيسية والتزاماته القانونية، بضمان امتثال سياساته وإجراءاته الخارجية للقانون الدولي، بما في ذلك احترام حقوق الإنسان وحق الشعوب في تقرير المصير." This strong declaration shows the belief that the EU has a moral and legal imperative to act.
The association emphasized that the EU must strengthen human rights conditionality in its relations with Morocco. This call includes the implementation of clear standards, strong monitoring mechanisms, and effective enforcement measures for non-compliance. The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights stated, "يتوجب على الاتحاد الأوروبي تعزيز اشتراطات احترام حقوق الإنسان ضمن علاقاته مع المغرب، بما يشمل وضع معايير واضحة وآليات للرصد والمتابعة وتدابير تنفيذية تفعل في حالات عدم الامتثال." Such measures are considered key for upholding human rights principles within the EU's foreign policy framework and ensuring accountability for violations. The association’s plea notes the urgent need for concrete steps to protect the fundamental rights of Sahrawi human rights defenders.
