Awserd (refugee camps), 22 October 2024 (SPS) - Participants at the 2nd International Trade Union Forum in solidarity with the Sahrawi people called on Tuesday, at the conclusion of their discussions at the Awserd Sahrawi refugee camp, for the urgent necessity to unite international union efforts in order to support the Sahrawi cause and establish a roadmap for supporting the just struggle of the Sahrawi people.
The trade unionists also issued a call to the United Nations, the African Union, and the international community to assume their responsibilities and work towards granting the Sahrawi people their legitimate right to freedom and independence, in accordance with international legitimacy.
Moreover, they stressed the need to end the Moroccan occupation of Sahrawi territories and condemned the racist and discriminatory policies endured by the Sahrawis in the occupied territories, in addition to denouncing the suffering imposed on the Sahrawi people due to the continuation of the Moroccan occupation, during which the Moroccan occupier plunders their natural resources with significant international political and economic complicity.
After emphasizing the imperative need to protect human rights in Western Sahara, the participants urged the UN to fulfill its responsibilities in this area, drawing attention to the deterioration of human rights following the resumption of war in the region after Morocco's violation of the ceasefire.
They also called on the international community to fulfill its role and take action to free Sahrawi detainees, allow access to the territory for international observers and media, and end actions targeting civilians and human rights defenders.
The participating trade unionists at the Forum also praised the ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) invalidating the agreements on the illegal exploitation of Sahrawi natural resources.
The 2nd International Trade Union Forum in solidarity with the Sahrawi people, which saw participation from trade unionists from around the world, represented a moment of solidarity in support of collective trade union action and in strengthening the struggle of peoples for the recovery of their legitimate rights to self-determination and independence.
The forum, which lasted three days, was part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the General Union of Sahrawi Workers (UGTSARIO) and the National Day of Sahrawi Workers under the banner "Work, Sacrifice, Loyalty to Complete Liberation and Construction."
It took place in the presence of foreign delegations representing over 45 international unions from 21 countries, with more than 150 foreign delegates and 250 Sahrawi delegates, according to the organizers.