UK reaffirms commitment to human rights in Western Sahara

On June 1st, the UK joined other Western nations — including the U.S., France, and Germany — in backing Morocco’s proposal for limited autonomy for the Sahrawi people in Western Sahara.

This marked a notable shift in British policy, which had previously supported the United Nations’ position that the region’s final status should be decided through a referendum.

Following the announcement, Conservative MP Blake Stephenson questioned what the change would mean for safeguarding Sahrawi rights, Yabiladi reports.

In response, Hamish Falconer, Under-Secretary of State for MENA, said the UK remains committed to promoting human rights worldwide, including in Western Sahara. He added that Britain welcomes “Morocco’s stated commitment to provide further detail and to engage in good faith with all relevant parties to clarify what autonomy within the Moroccan State would look like for the region.”

In 2006, an advisory council backed by Morocco presented a plan to the United Nations proposing that the Sahrawis could govern themselves under Moroccan sovereignty, while Morocco would retain control over defense and foreign affairs.