A group of 40 states on Monday reaffirmed in Geneva their support for the “full and complete sovereignty” of Morocco over its southern provinces.
The group stressed that the Western Sahara issue remains a political dispute within the purview of the United Nations Security Council, advocating for a solution based on Morocco’s autonomy initiative.
In a statement delivered during the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the declaration was read by Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Omar Zniber. The group underscored that engagement between member states, the Council and the High Commissioner must “retain its bilateral character and be shielded from any instrumentalization.”
The Western Sahara issue is a political dispute addressed by the United Nations Security Council, which considers genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as one of the most realistic solutions, the statement added under agenda item two of the general debate.
The group also expressed support for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2797, aimed at relaunching the political process through negotiations among the four named parties, on the basis of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, with a view to reaching a definitive and mutually acceptable political solution.
Furthermore, the forty states commended Morocco’s “constructive, voluntary and substantive” engagement with the United Nations human rights system, particularly the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Council’s special procedures. Several mandate holders have visited Morocco, including the Sahara, to promote and strengthen respect for human rights across its territory.
The group welcomed the opening of numerous consulates general by various countries in the cities of Dakhla and Laayoune, noting that these diplomatic representations serve as a lever to enhance economic cooperation, investment and regional as well as continental development.
The statement concluded that “resolving this regional dispute will help fulfil the legitimate aspirations of African and Arab peoples for integration and development — an objective Morocco continues to pursue through sincere and sustained efforts.”
The declaration further consolidates Morocco’s international position and reflects growing momentum behind the Autonomy Plan as the central framework for resolving the Western Sahara issue.
AK/lb/as/APA