Geneva, 9 September 2025 (SPS) – Erik Hagen of the Western Sahara Resource Watch emphasized that the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination must be the guiding principle respected by all third parties, including corporations. He noted that many companies fail to adhere to this principle.
Hagen explained that over 50 companies, most of them European, are active in occupied Western Sahara across various sectors, with an increasing number from North America, the Far East, and the Gulf States.
He added that these companies often disregard the international legal framework and justify their activities for public benefit, ignoring the fundamental issue of the Sahrawis' right to self-determination and recognition as an independent people.
Hagen criticized what he called the "greenwashing of the occupation," pointing out that international certifications (environmental, sustainability, etc.) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards often incorrectly describe Sahrawi territories as part of Morocco.
He also condemned the collapse of oversight on ethical investments, stating that the ethical investment sector has been harmed over the past three years due to the consolidation of major financial players. This has led to weak oversight and critical scrutiny of companies involved in regions like Western Sahara and Palestine.
Hagen stressed that what is termed "Moroccan economic development" in the region is in reality a plunder of Sahrawi natural resources with the support of Western companies. He underscored the need for concerted efforts to stop the illegal practices concerning the natural resources of the Sahrawi people.
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