Strong International Support for Western Sahara’s Self-Determination Grows at UN Talks as Iran, Syria, Cuba, and Others Reaffirm Sahrawi Rights

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | October 17th, 2024 —  During the recent discussions of the United Nations’ Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), the question of Western Sahara garnered robust international support, as numerous countries advocated for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination in line with UN General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV), which emphasizes the right to independence for colonized nations.

In her address, Mexico’s representative reiterated her government’s steadfast support for a fair and lasting political solution, grounded in negotiations that reflect the Sahrawi people’s right to determine their future, as dictated by relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.

Iran, through its representative, echoed these sentiments, underlining the UN’s responsibility to safeguard the inalienable rights of the Sahrawi people. Tehran called for serious and unconditional commitment to the UN-led negotiations to ensure the success of the ongoing peace process and achieve a just and comprehensive political resolution.

Venezuela, representing the “Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter,” reaffirmed the international community’s duty to support peoples in Western Sahara, Puerto Rico, and Palestine in their legitimate struggles for self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and Resolution 1514. Venezuela further stressed its unwavering solidarity with the Sahrawi cause, advocating for a peaceful, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution.

Cuba’s representative emphasized the island nation’s long-standing defense of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, citing 61 years since the UN Decolonization Committee classified Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory. Havana reaffirmed its opposition to unilateral decisions that disregard the Sahrawi people’s rights, insisting that international solidarity is essential to supporting their cause.

Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia also voiced their backing for Western Sahara’s struggle. Bolivia expressed hope for a fair and lasting political solution based on UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, ensuring the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Peru reiterated its support for the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his Special Envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to advance negotiations. Colombia highlighted its concern over the deteriorating situation in the region and called for immediate steps toward a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the need for the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO) to incorporate a human rights component into its mandate.

Syria, similarly, underscored the importance of dialogue and trust-building measures between the parties to reach a fair and enduring solution in line with UN principles and resolutions. Damascus emphasized that the issue has been on the UN’s decolonization agenda since 1963 and remains a vital matter of international concern.

These deliberations reflect a growing international consensus on the urgency of resolving the Western Sahara conflict and ensuring the Sahrawi people’s fundamental right to self-determination, with countries from various regions reiterating their strong commitment to a peaceful, just, and enduring political solution.

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