London (UK), May 2, 2024 (SPS) - The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its alignment with the UN position on the Western Sahara conflict, emphasizing the Sahrawi people's inalienable right to self-determination.
In a written response published on the UK Parliament's website, David Rutley, on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, reiterated the UN's stance that Morocco is not considered the administering power of Western Sahara and is not listed as such in the list of non-self-governing territories.
A group of British parliamentarians from various parties had submitted a series of questions to the UK government regarding its position on the Western Sahara issue, its adherence to UN resolutions, its commitment to safeguarding the economic rights and protecting the human rights of the Sahrawi people, particularly civilians in the occupied territories of Western Sahara, and their right to freedom of expression and assembly. They also inquired about the role of British companies in renewable energy, ecological, and sustainable agriculture projects in Western Sahara.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's response was clear and unequivocal, reaffirming the UK's traditional position. David Rutley reiterated the UK's support for UN-led efforts under the leadership of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to reach a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution based on compromise that provides the people of Western Sahara with the right to self-determination. "We strongly support the work of Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, and we will continue to encourage constructive participation in the political process," he stated. He further clarified that the bilateral agreements with Morocco on clean and renewable energy signed between the two parties in 2023 do not apply to Western Sahara, and there are currently no British company projects in the territory.
Rutley also emphasized the UK's commitment to protecting human rights in Western Sahara, discussing the issue with all parties, and advocating for the inclusion of human rights concerns in UN Security Council resolutions.
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