11 Apr, 2014 @ 15:55
1 min read

Spanish NGO delegation expelled from Western Sahara

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A GROUP of Spanish NGOs have been ejected from Western Sahara, as they tried to assess the human rights situation in the area.

Moroccan authorities refused the delegation entry at Laayoune Airport, in the capital city of El Aaiun, at 1.30pm today.

The five representatives of the Federation of Associations for the Defence and Protection of Human Rights, were forcibly detained and made to fly to Las Palmas in Gran Canaria.

Seeking to hold interviews with Saharaui activists, the Moroccan authorities, and the staff of the UN mission in Western Sahara, the delegation planned to stay in the country for four days.

The group has received no explanation for their expulsion, but will hold a press conference on arrival in the Canary Islands.

It is not the first time that Moroccan authorities have blocked access to the Western Sahara territories.

The group is made up of representatives from four NGOs: Nuria Diaz of the Spanish Commission for the Help of Refugees (CEAR); Sarai Martin of Mundubat; Jose Taboada and Santiago Jimenez of the Saharan State Coordinator for Solidarity Associations (CEAR-Sahara); and Carmelo Faleh for the Spanish Society for International Human Rights Law (SSIHRL).

Imogen Calderwood

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5 Comments

  1. It’s not difficult to find out and understand what’s happening in the Western Sahara like any other conflict in the world, go and ask someone Spanish,it’s recent history, so yes people know a lot of people who really understand the ” Western Sahara Situation “

  2. Every spanish should be expelled , 200 000 more spanish occupiers of sebta and mellila ( moroccan cities ocupied by spain ) will be sent back to spain in the next 30 years.

  3. CB. I agree people know What is happening, that is only too clear. I was referring to the position of the place under international law, which is slightly complicated

  4. It’s not that complicated, The Western Sahara is an illegally occupied territory that belongs to The Saharaui people. The problem, Internationally speaking is that we all know what riches are there and on it’s coastline and we all know who wants it!!
    In this case International Law is ignored time and time again. Sorry but your 1st comment I think was a question on does anyone know anyone who really understands the Western Sahara situation, that’s what I responded to.

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