New York (United Nations), 31 October 2025 (SPS) – Denmark reaffirmed its strong support for the United Nations-led process to achieve a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution to the conflict in Western Sahara, emphasizing that its vote in favor of extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) “does not constitute a recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.”
Speaking before the Security Council, the Permanent Representative of Denmark, Amb. Christina Markus Lassen, explained that her country supported the 12-month extension of MINURSO’s mandate “in recognition of MINURSO’s important role.”
The Danish diplomat made clear that Denmark’s vote “in favour of today’s resolution does not constitute a recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, as any solution should be agreed among the parties and in accordance with the UN Charter and principles, including the right to self-determination.”
She underscored the continuing relevance of the UN Mission as hostilities persist and regional stability remains at risk, echoing the Secretary-General’s warning that “nearly five years have elapsed since the resumption of hostilities, which continues to pose an increasing risk of escalation and to detract from the stability in the broader Maghreb region.”
“Reliable monitoring, investigation and independent reporting is much needed in this context. To that end, MINURSO plays an important role,” the Danish representative stressed, adding that the Mission’s presence on the ground “also serves as a critical enabler in support of the Personal Envoy’s mediation efforts.”
Reiterating Denmark’s unwavering backing for the United Nations and its Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, the Ambassador stated her country’s “full support for the United Nations-led process and the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Mr. de Mistura, and his efforts to reach a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution to the conflict, in accordance with the UNSC resolutions.”
Denmark also called upon both Morocco and the Frente POLISARIO to engage “constructively and in good faith” in negotiations toward a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution.
Concluding her statement, the Danish representative reminded the Council of the human dimension of the conflict, urging an end to the decades of suffering endured by the Sahrawi people:
“Now, we must spare no effort in our pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. After 50 years of suffering and division, this is not only necessary. It is long overdue.”
It should be recalled that Denmark has voted in favour of the new resolution and even expressed support to the Moroccan autonomy plan as credible, but it also emphacized that any solution should respect the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people.
Other countries also adopted similar if not stronger positions on the new resolution. Algeria totally distanced itself from any vote on the resolution asserting that the adopted text does not faithfully reflect the UN doctrine on decolonization and the legitimate aspirations of the Sahrawi people.
Russia, China and Pakistan abstained voicing dissatisfaction with the US dominance of the drafting of the resolution on Western Sahara and deploring a serious lack of inclusion in the negotiation process on the draft.
Other countries, such as Slovenia indicated that they only voted in favour to avoid the total collapse of the peace process and to give another chance to the UN Minurso to assume its mandate. (SPS)
090/500/60 (SPS)
Related blogs
