Sydney (Australia), February 21, 2025 (SPS) - Australian Senator Fatima Payman recently raised a series of questions in the Australian Parliament regarding the Australian government's stance on the issue of Western Sahara during a supplementary budget estimates session.
The Australian Senator's questions addressed the visit of an Australian parliamentary delegation to the occupied territories of Western Sahara, organized by Morocco, as well as Australia's position on the self-determination referendum and human rights monitoring.
In its responses, the Australian government confirmed that it was aware of the parliamentary delegation's visit and that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) had briefed the delegation on Australia's position. The government emphasized that Australia recognizes the United Nations' classification of Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory and supports the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination.
Regarding human rights issues, the government pointed to its support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2756, issued on October 31, 2024, which calls on all parties to enhance cooperation with the UN Human Rights Commission, including facilitating its visits to the region.
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