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Western Sahara Campaign
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WESTERN SAHARA CAMPAIGN
Western Sahara has been illegally occupied by Morocco for a quarter of a century. The indigenous population of this territory, the Sahrawi, have waged a long campaign, through diplomatic and armed struggle, for the right to self-determination. Today, over half the Sahrawi population lives in refugee camps in the hostile desert of southern Algeria. An entire generation of children has grown up in these camps. The Sahrawi have worked hard to maintain their autonomy in these self-run camps, building their own hospitals, schools and government structures. For the camps' residents, these activities are key to their future in a free Western Sahara.
In 1991, a UN-sponsored cease fire and peace agreement were signed by Polisario (the Sahrawi liberation movement) and Morocco. Yet efforts by the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity to implement the agreement have been systematically blocked by Morocco. This country has repeatedly violated the plan including provisions for a referendum on self-determination. The referendum date has been postponed numerous times. It is presently scheduled for December 1999, but few believe it will actually take place.
Canada once played a key role in the Western Sahara peace process. It was an active and respected participant in the UN peacekeeping force known as MINURSO. In 1994, Canada withdrew its participation. Since then, despite promises to remain engaged in other ways, Canada has been silent on the issue.
GRILA'S DEMANDS
• Morocco must immediately release all Sahrawi political prisoners
• Canada must push for a full, independent inquiry into the fate of the 100s of 'disappeared' Sahrawis
• Canada must use its seat on the UN Security Council to pressure the United Nations to take a firmer stand against Morocco's violations of the peace agreement
• All Moroccan troops must return to their barracks and police must withdraw from the territory, to ensure an atmosphere conducive to a free and fair referendum
• If Morocco continues to block the peace process, Canada must respect Sahrawi aspirations and accord official recognition to their government-in-waiting, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), currently recognized by over 50 countries
• Morocco has built a 1500-km fortified sand wall running the length of the Western Sahara to keep Polisario fighters and refugees out of the occupied territory. It has lined the wall with minefields. Morocco must respect the provisions of the peace agreement and immediately demine the entire area
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Join GRILA and its Western Sahara Campaign!
Write to your MP and to Lloyd Axworthy, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, (125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa K1A 0G2) and demand that the Western Sahara be put back on Canada's agenda!
HOW TO REACH US
Tel.: 514.277.4183
admin@grila.org
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