Algerian MP Hichem Benhaddad Reaffirms Sahrawi People’s Right to Self-Determination at UN Decolonization Session

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | October 11th, 2024 —  At the United Nations headquarters in New York, during a pivotal session of the UN Fourth Committee on Decolonization, Algerian Member of Parliament Hichem Benhaddad delivered a resolute address reaffirming the inalienable right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination. Speaking before the international assembly, Benhaddad drew on more than five decades of UN resolutions, advisory opinions, and international recommendations that solidify the legal foundation for Western Sahara’s right to self-determination.

In his speech, Benhaddad emphasized the protracted suffering of the Sahrawi people, who remain subjected to the harsh realities of Moroccan occupation. He painted a grim picture of life under occupation, marked by repression, systematic torture, and the relentless exploitation of the region’s natural resources. He unequivocally denounced Morocco’s continued efforts to impose what he termed a “pseudo-sovereignty” over a nation that had already fought to free itself from Spanish colonial rule in the 1960s, only to be faced with a new oppressor.

Benhaddad did not mince words when addressing Morocco’s attempts to manipulate international consensus and distort the facts surrounding Western Sahara. He underscored that international law remains crystal clear: the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination is undeniable and must be respected without compromise. In his condemnation, Benhaddad firmly rejected any claims of legitimacy by Morocco over the occupied territory, stressing that the Sahrawi issue is, at its core, a decolonization question—one that is still enshrined on the UN’s agenda.

Turning his attention to the geopolitical dimension, the Algerian MP sharply criticized nations that continue to cling to colonial mentalities, accusing them of offering “fictitious international recognition” to those who serve their strategic and political interests. He argued that endorsing Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara not only violates principles of international justice but also betrays the very spirit of decolonization and self-determination.

Benhaddad’s message was one of optimism for the future, particularly in the hands of the younger generation. He expressed his confidence in the world’s youth, whom he described as champions of justice and freedom. He voiced his belief that these young advocates would persist in defending the Sahrawi people’s right to freely exercise their sovereignty and self-determination.

The UN Fourth Committee’s session on decolonization, which began on Tuesday, will continue through Monday, providing a platform for petitioners to address the issue of Western Sahara alongside other lingering decolonization challenges. Benhaddad’s powerful remarks have set a resolute tone for the session, reinforcing Algeria’s unwavering support for the Sahrawi people and their quest for justice, freedom, and dignity.

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