New York (United Nations), 16 October 2025 (SPS) – The Sahrawi cause once again received strong support during the discussions of the Fourth Committee on Special Political and Decolonization Matters of the United Nations General Assembly.
Several countries called for enabling the Sahrawi people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, the full implementation of the MINURSO mandate, and the holding of a referendum to end colonialism in Western Sahara.
The representative of Lesotho affirmed that Western Sahara represents a stark reminder of the unfinished decolonization process and reiterated her country’s steadfast commitment to the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions.
She also expressed support for the United Nations and the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General in facilitating a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
She urged both parties to engage constructively in dialogue and prioritize the voice and aspirations of the Sahrawi people in reaching a peaceful solution.
The representative of Belize expressed deep concern over the long-standing denial of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, noting that nearly half a century has passed and the Sahrawi people are still waiting for the international community to fulfill its promise to hold a referendum that allows them to determine their future. She added that procrastination, delay, and denial have become characteristic features of this tragic situation.
She reaffirmed her country’s unwavering support for the full implementation of all relevant UN resolutions on Western Sahara, commended the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, and called on both parties to engage in direct and sincere dialogue without preconditions to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution that guarantees the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination in accordance with the Charter and the Declaration.
The representative of Ethiopia noted that more than six decades have passed with the Western Sahara issue remaining pending in the Fourth Committee. He called for intensified efforts to find a lasting solution to the Western Sahara issue, in line with UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, and to ensure the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
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