Western Sahara has been occupied by Morocco since 1975, the year it was due to receive it's independence from Spain. It is therefore the last country in Africa not to have completed the process of decolonisation and is known as Africa’s last colony. When their country was invaded by Morocco (and Mauritania who later withdrew) many thousands of Saharawis fled over 700 miles until they finally found refuge in the desert of Algeria where they set up refugee camps from tents. Unbelievably 33 years later 165,000 people still live in tents in the refugee camps, separated from their land and family and friends.
Many Saharawis remain in the occupied territory where they face brutal repression and intimidation from the Moroccan security forces. The campaign hears numerous reports of horrific abuse including arbitrary arrest, disappearance, false imprisonment, unfair trials and torture – such as burning, blindfolding for extended periods, suspension in contorted positions and rape
WESTERN SAHARA CAMPAIGN UK
The Western Sahara Campaign works in solidarity with the Saharawi people to generate political support in order to advance their right to self-determination and to promote their human rights.
Our role is to lobby the UK Government and the EU. You can help us to ensure the UK does not ignore the voice of the Saharawi people.
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