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AU calls for protection of human rights, decolonization of Western Sahara

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Addis Ababa, May 20, 2013 (SPS) - Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union has called for the protection of human rights and decolonization of Western Sahara, during the discussion of the report of the African Commission of Human and Peoples’ Rights convened these days at AU headquarters in Ethiopian capital, according to a media source.


Permanent Representatives expressed their disappointment, saying “as the African states prepare to celebrate 50 years since the founding of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, on next 25th May in the Ethiopian capital in parallel with the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Union, Saharawi state has not completed yet its sovereignty over its territory,” condemning the Moroccan violations of human rights in Western Sahara.


In their interventions, ambassadors of South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, Namibia, Ghana, Sierra Leon, Mozambique, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana and others called on Africa and the AU to “immediately act” to organize the referendum in Western Sahara, and enable the Saharawi people of self-determination and decolonization.


Addressing the 26th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee, Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said that Africa “must resolutely tackle the root causes of conflicts and instability, so as to ensure lasting peace,” pointing to recent crises in Mali and Central African Republic as well as the ongoing situation in Western Sahara.


Report of the African Commission on Human Peoples’ Rights was highly hailed by the Permanent Representatives Committee, especially the part related to the situation in of human rights in Western Sahara.


The petitioners demanded the adoption of the recommendations contained in the report with regard to the protection of Saharawi people from the oppression of the Kingdom of Morocco, accelerating the decolonization of Western Sahara and enabling the Saharawi people to choose their own future. (SPS)


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