Banjul (The Gambia), May 4, 2025 (SPS) – The Sahrawi Republic, in its statement following the report by the African Chairperson of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa, called for an investigation into torture-related violations in the occupied areas of Western Sahara.
The intervention took place during the works of the 83rd Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights held Sunday afternoon, dedicated to the discussion of reports of mechanisms and special procedures of the Commission.
The Sahrawi Republic’s representative at the session, Ambassador Malainin Lakhal, expressed his country’s “deep concern regarding the ongoing and systematic use of torture and ill-treatment by the Moroccan forces of illegal occupation against Sahrawi civilians, prisoner, peaceful demonstrators, and human rights defenders in the Territory of Western Sahara, under Moroccan colonial occupation.”
Below is the full text of the oral statement delivered by the Sahrawi representative before the session:
Oral Statement, Item 5: Reports Activity Reports of the Members of the Commission & Special Mechanisms (Report of the Chairperson of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa)
Honourable Chairperson, Honourable Commissioners, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, all protocols observed:
The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic welcomes the report of the Chairperson of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa, and commends its attention to these crucial freedoms.
The Sahrawi Republic takes this opportunity to express its deep concern regarding the ongoing and systematic use of torture and ill-treatment by the Moroccan forces of illegal occupation against Sahrawi civilians, prisoner, peaceful demonstrators, and human rights defenders in the Territory of Western Sahara, under Moroccan colonial occupation.
Reports by UN human rights mechanisms have consistently documented this disturbing reality. The UN Committee Against Torture, in its concluding observations on Morocco (CAT/C/MAR/CO/4), expressed serious concern over credible allegations of torture and ill-treatment, particularly in relation to Sahrawi detainees and human rights defenders. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued numerous opinions confirming the arbitrary detention of Sahrawi activists, often based on confessions extracted under torture.
The case of the Gdeim Izik group is emblematic. Sahrawi human rights defenders detained were sentenced based on coerced confessions obtained under severe torture—documented by international observers, international human rights NGOs, and denounced by UN Special Procedures. Despite repeated calls for impartial investigations and fair trials, Morocco continues to ignore its international obligations in total impunity.
Furthermore, the Moroccan authorities systematically target Sahrawi journalists, students, and peaceful protesters with brutal beatings, harassment, and enforced disappearances, creating a climate of fear and impunity and exercising what appears to be a systematic policy to dissuade Sahrawi civilians from protesting for their rights to self-determination and freedom.
We call on the African Commission and its Special Mechanisms to:
Urge Morocco to grant unfettered access to Western Sahara for the ACHPR and relevant African and UN Special Procedures on Torture;
Demand that Morocco ceases all acts of torture and ill-treatment and complies fully with its obligations under African and International Conventions and instruments against Torture;
Recognize the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and ensure protection from reprisals and systemic abuse under colonial occupation.
IN conclusion, Mr. Chairperson, distinguished delegates, justice and accountability for torture cannot be sacrificed in the name of political expediency or diplomatic nuances. We urge the Commission to act decisively in full implementation of its mandate under the AU Charter and other relevant human rights instruments, to protect the rights of the Sahrawi people and all victims of torture and other forms of ill-treatments.
I Thank you.” (SPS)
090/500/60 (SPS)
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