HUMAN RIGHTS IN WESTERN SAHARA

That this House condemns the escalating wave of human rights violations against Saharawi human rights activists in October and November 2009 including the detention of seven prominent Saharawi prisoners of conscience; expresses concern over the intention of the Moroccan authorities to try these prisoners in a military court where they may face the death penalty; is dismayed over the expulsion of prominent Saharawi human rights activist and winner of the 2009 Civil Courage Award Aminatou Haider from Western Sahara; notes with concern the actions of the Moroccan authorities to prevent Saharawi human rights activists from travelling abroad; expresses regret over the arrests of several Saharawi human rights defenders; opposes the regressive and systemic trend of human rights violations against those who peacefully resist the occupation of Western Sahara; and calls on the Government to condemn these actions and urge the United Nations to implement human rights monitoring in the region.