Refugee Camps, Algeria – The National Union of Sahrawi Women (NUSW) has issued a strong call to the international community and human rights organizations to take immediate action to halt the grave violations against Sahrawi women in the occupied territories.
In a statement released today, the NUSW emphasized the urgent need for effective protection mechanisms for female human rights defenders and increased pressure on the Moroccan authorities to adhere to international conventions concerning the rights of women and peoples.
“The situation for Sahrawi women in the occupied territories is dire, with reports of systematic discrimination, violence, and intimidation,” a spokesperson for the NUSW stated. “We are witnessing a deliberate campaign to silence and marginalize women who are actively working to defend their rights and the rights of their people.”
The NUSW highlighted specific concerns, including restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary arrests, and physical and psychological abuse. The organization also expressed deep concern about the lack of accountability for perpetrators of these abuses.
“The international community has a moral and legal obligation to protect vulnerable populations and ensure that human rights are respected,” the NUSW statement continued. “We urge the United Nations, the European Union, and other relevant actors to exert pressure on Morocco to end these violations and allow independent observers access to the occupied territories to monitor the situation.”
The NUSW reiterated its commitment to continuing its work to empower Sahrawi women and advocate for their rights. The organization also called on Sahrawi women to remain steadfast in their struggle for self-determination and to continue to resist oppression.
DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
