A group of 40 states reaffirmed, on Tuesday in Geneva, their support for the “full and complete sovereignty” of Morocco over its Southern Provinces, stressing that the Sahara issue is a political dispute falling under the purview of the United Nations Security Council.
In a statement delivered during the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), the Group emphasized that the Sahara issue is a political dispute dealt with by the Security Council, which affirms that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could be a most feasible outcome.
The group thus expressed its support for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2797, which aims to revive the political process through the organization of negotiations involving the four parties named, on the basis of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, with a view to achieving a definitive and mutually acceptable political solution to this dispute, according to the statement delivered by Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Ambassador Omar Zniber.
In this context, the Group welcomed “Morocco’s updating and detailing of its Autonomy Plan,” as well as its commitment to guarantee the return and integration of the populations of the Tindouf camps on the basis of equality among all Moroccan citizens.
The forty states also welcomed Morocco’s long-standing commitment to constructive, voluntary, and in-depth interaction with the United Nations human rights system, in particular the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, for the promotion and respect of human rights throughout its territory.
The interaction of Member States with the Council and the High Commissioner “must remain bilateral in nature and be protected from any exploitation,” according to the statement delivered under agenda item 2 of the general debate.
The group also welcomed the opening by numerous countries of Consulates General in the cities of Dakhla and Laayoune, which serves as a lever for strengthening economic cooperation and investment, benefiting local populations and regional and continental development.
“The resolution of this regional dispute will help to realize the legitimate aspirations of African and Arab peoples for integration and development, a goal that Morocco continues to pursue and for which it is making sincere and continuous efforts,” the statement concluded.