Chahid Al Hafed (refugee camps), Sept 29, 2012 (SPS) - The delegation of African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) has expressed concern over the protracted human rights crisis and humanitarian tragedy faced by the Saharawi people in occupied Western Sahara, in a statement issued Friday at the end of its visit to the Saharawi refugee camps.
“The delegation notes with concern the protracted human rights and humanitarian crisis faced by the Saharawi people which has persisted for almost four years,” asserted the statement.
The delegation also regrets for the numerous human rights violations being committed by Moroccan authorities in occupied Western Sahara, including the arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, kidnappings, infringements on freedom of speech, press and association as well as discrimination etc, added the statement.
They appreciated “resilience, determination and scourge of the Saharawi people to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” expressing recognition to authorities of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic for their “hospitality, cooperation and full transparency throughout the mission.”
The statement indicated that the delegation was unable to visit the occupied territories of Western Sahara due to the silence of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Commission’s request for passage to the Territory.
Furthermore, the delegation will submit on January 2013 a detailed report of the mission to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. (SPS)
090/089/000