Geneva (Switzerland), August 8, 2025 (SPS) – The United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT) has called on the Moroccan government to provide adequate and fair compensation to Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari, including the means for full rehabilitation, and to initiate a thorough and impartial investigation into the relevant events.
The committee stressed the need for full compliance with the guidelines of the Istanbul Protocol, which outlines effective procedures for investigating torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, to ensure prosecution of those responsible for the victim’s mistreatment.
In its latest report (on follow-up to decisions concerning complaints under Article 22 of the Convention), the committee also urged Morocco to refrain from any form of pressure, intimidation, or retaliation that could affect the physical and psychological integrity of Naama Asfari and his family. Failure to do so, the committee warned, would constitute a violation of Morocco’s obligation under the Convention to cooperate in good faith with the committee, including allowing the complainant to receive family visits in prison. Morocco was given 180 days from the date of the decision’s transmission to report on the measures taken.
Furthermore, the committee noted that after reviewing various correspondence and observations in the follow-up process, it found that Morocco had still not implemented the decision. As a result, the committee decided to continue the follow-up dialogue and consider taking additional measures against the Moroccan government.
The case of Naama Asfari, a prominent Sahrawi activist, has drawn international attention due to allegations of torture and unfair imprisonment. The UN’s repeated calls for justice highlight ongoing concerns over human rights violations in Western Sahara under Moroccan control.
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