Western Sahara
A State of Siege
Tens of thousands of Saharawi people still live under Moroccan occupation in Western Sahara. Although Saharawis have ruled out terrorism as a political tactic, their lives and activities are severely constricted by a harsh security state.
The Saharawi flag is banned and speaking out for an independent state is illegal. Merely calling for human rights is enough to get organisations closed down and their leaders imprisoned. Yet Saharawis continue to speak out.
Over 500 Saharawis are still ‘disappeared’ in Moroccan custody, possibly surviving as political prisoners. Many have not been heard from for nearly 30 years. Relatives have been imprisoned and tortured for campaigning to know the truth about their fate.
Saharawi workers face greater exploitation than Moroccan settlers. Those who campaign for independent trade unions have been violently mistreated.
No amount of repression will stop the Saharawi people speaking out for justice. A peaceful demonstration in May 2005 led to harsh repression and an uprising in the Occupied Territories. Demonstrators were arrested in large numbers, some receiving over 10-year prison sentences.
Help free political prisoners and press Morocco to end its repressive treatment of Saharawi activists.
Help free political prisoners and press Morocco to end its repressive treatment of Saharawi activists.
 |  | Western Sahara Homepage: Find out more about the people of the Western Sahara and their struggle to return to their homeland. |
 | | Send a postcard to the Moroccan Ambassador: Tell the Moroccan Ambassador to free political prisoners and press Morocco to end its repressive treatment of Saharawi activists. |
 | | Take action: Tens of thousands of Saharawi people are living in a state of siege and face appalling human rights abuses and repression. Email David Miliband MP to take action |
