Morocco’s Implementation of the ICCPR

This report addresses the following rights enshrined in the ICCPR: the rights to self-determination and to freely dispose of natural resources (Article 1); the right to life (Article 6); the prohibition on torture (Article 7); the right to be protected from arbitrary detention (Article 9); the right to humane treatment of persons deprived of their liberty (Article 10); the right to freedom of movement (Article 12); the right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial (Article 14); the right to privacy (Article 17); the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly (Articles 19 and 21); and the right to freedom of association (Article 22).

Our review of the Committee’s prior Concluding Observations with regard to the Kingdom of Morocco has revealed several gaps in the Committee’s treatment of the rights of the Sahrawi people by Morocco. In this report, we provide information based on data gathered by the signatories to this report, interviews with sources in Western Sahara, and publically available research conducted in the territory by academics and NGOs. Many of our sources have requested to remain anonymous over fears of harassment and detention if their identity is known.

We also include an analysis of the legal and historical framework that should guide this Committee’s review with regard to violations of the ICCPR in Western Sahara. In this regard, we believe that the Committee’s analysis of Israel’s violations of the Covenant in the Occupied Territories is especially pertinent.

We conclude each of the sections below with a list of recommendations we urge the Committee to adopt.

Full report

Source: Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights