Paris – The 49th conference of the European Coordination of Support for the Sahrawi People (EUCOCO) concluded in Paris on Saturday with a final declaration urging France to advocate for the fundamental rights of the Sahrawi people before international bodies.
The declaration, adopted at the close of the EUCOCO conference, emphasizes the critical role France can play in ensuring the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination is respected and upheld within international forums. Participants highlighted the ongoing concerns regarding human rights in the Western Sahara and underscored the need for increased international scrutiny.
The EUCOCO conference brought together representatives from various European countries, Sahrawi activists, and human rights advocates to discuss strategies for promoting a just and lasting resolution to the Western Sahara conflict. Discussions focused on raising awareness of the situation, advocating for the release of political prisoners, and supporting Sahrawi refugees.
“France, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has a particular responsibility to ensure that international law is respected in Western Sahara,” stated one delegate during the concluding session. “We urge the French government to use its influence to push for a fair and transparent referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people.”
The call for France to take a more active role comes amidst growing international concern over the stalled peace process and the continuing reports of human rights violations in the region. The EUCOCO declaration serves as a powerful reminder to the international community of the urgent need to address the Western Sahara issue and ensure the protection of the Sahrawi people’s fundamental rights.
The conference also addressed the broader context of colonial legacies in Africa, with a dedicated session examining the lasting impact of colonialism and the importance of addressing historical injustices.
