Buenos Aires, 30 May 2025 (SPS) – The Second International Conference of Journalists and Media Professionals in Solidarity with the Sahrawi People condemned the Moroccan occupation's criminalization of journalistic work in occupied Western Sahara. The event reaffirmed the necessity of unifying media efforts to inform international public opinion about developments in the Sahrawi cause, contribute to breaking the blockade on Western Sahara, and counter Moroccan propaganda.
This was highlighted in the final statement of the conference, jointly organized by the Union of Sahrawi Journalists, Writers, and Artists and the Argentine branch of the Federation of Journalists, in collaboration with solidarity unions and organizations. Held in Buenos Aires from May 28 to 30 under the slogan "Journalism and Action for the Decolonization of Western Sahara," the event brought together journalists from over ten countries.
Participants stressed that unified efforts help break the "wall of silence" imposed by international media outlets influenced by pro-Moroccan lobbying groups. They emphasized the need to amplify the Sahrawi people's voice worldwide, raise public awareness, and mobilize civil society in support of their cause.
The conference also called for "strengthening an international information network to exchange content, monitor developments in Western Sahara, and ensure accurate reporting to dismantle Moroccan propaganda."
Participants urged "increasing the presence of journalists and media professionals in occupied Western Sahara and enhancing communication with media workers in the occupied territories, refugee camps, and liberated zones to convey ground realities."
Recommendations included "defending Sahrawi journalists in occupied territories, exposing human rights violations against them, advocating for their safety, and upholding press freedom."
Additionally, the conference recommended supporting media efforts in the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) by providing technical, logistical, and training assistance to Sahrawi journalists and media workers. It highlighted that Western Sahara remains "Africa’s last colony" and one of 17 territories still awaiting decolonization under UN supervision.
Participants committed to establishing an international media platform to track developments in the Sahrawi cause, encouraging national-level networks to bolster local solidarity, accompany the Sahrawi struggle, and raise global awareness.
The conference also expressed support for the Freedom Caravan touring Europe en route to Kenitra Prison in Morocco, aiming to spotlight the plight of Sahrawi political prisoners in Moroccan jails.
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