A Netherlands-based international accreditation body, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), has announced the suspension of all its activities in the occupied Western Sahara. The decision follows concerns regarding human rights and the legal complexities surrounding economic activities in the disputed territory.
According to a statement released by the Western Sahara Resource Watch, the ASC’s Technical Director informed them on December 1st that the company Azura would not be eligible for recertification upon the expiration of its current certificate. Furthermore, the ASC will not accept new companies into its program operating within the region.
The ASC stated that, “Based on the position of the United Nations, any activities in Western Sahara should be subject to thorough human rights due diligence. As the council is currently unable to carry out such assessments, it will cease its activities in Western Sahara until the resources for such an assessment are available or until the self-determination process in the region is complete.”
The Moroccan-French company, Azura, has been investing in the seafood sector in Dakhla, located in the occupied part of Western Sahara. These investments were made under permits granted by the Moroccan government. However, international law and rulings from the European Court of Justice have affirmed that Morocco does not have sovereignty over the territory and waters of Western Sahara.
Recently, Azura has faced increased scrutiny and opposition. In late November, French farmers stormed import warehouses belonging to Azura in Perpignan, southern France, protesting against what they termed “commercial misrepresentation” and “legal violations” in marketing tomatoes produced in the occupied Western Sahara as products of Morocco. The French Farmers’ Confederation has also filed a complaint against the company alleging tax fraud related to imports from the occupied territory.
Prior to this, in October, Spanish agricultural organizations and a consumer protection association filed complaints with Spanish authorities against Azura. These actions highlight the growing international concern regarding the exploitation of resources in Western Sahara and the ethical implications of doing business in the occupied territory.
