Posted by HICGI News Agency on June 20, 2025
By Dyogo Duncan Dickson
A dedicated Research and Advocacy specialist on peace and conflict, focusing on displaced populations and social justice, with expertise in governance and international relations.
Introduction
As we commemorate World Refugee Day 2025, we reflect on the plight of millions of refugees worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. The Sahrawi people, a nation of refugees who have been living in exile for decades, are a poignant example of the complexities of refugeehood. This article explores the history and current situation of the Sahrawi people, the role of the international community, and potential solutions to their refugee crisis.
Background
The Western Sahara conflict began in the 1970s, when Morocco and Mauritania claimed sovereignty over the territory, leading to a war with the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi nationalist movement. The former Spanish colony was invaded and occupied by Morocco and Mauritania in 1975 after Spain’s unilateral withdrawal, known as the Madrid Accords. This move contravened the International Court of Justice’s 1975 declaration that neither country had territorial sovereignty over Western Sahara. The conflict has resulted in thousands of Sahrawis being displaced and living in refugee camps, primarily in Tindouf, Algeria. Despite numerous attempts at peace negotiations, a lasting solution has yet to be found. The conflict has had a profound impact on the Sahrawi people, with many facing poverty, hunger, and limited access to education and healthcare.
The conflict has also had a significant impact on the region, with many countries in North Africa and the Sahel region being affected by the instability and insecurity. The Sahrawi people’s situation is further complicated by the fact that the UN has not yet organised a referendum to recognize Saharawi self-determination for statehood despite their distinct national identity and culture.
Who are the Sahrawis People?
The Sahrawis are a nomadic people who have inhabited the Western Sahara region for centuries.
They have a distinct culture, language, and history, and have traditionally been organised into tribes. The Sahrawis have a strong sense of identity and nationalism, which has driven their struggle for self-determination and statehood. They have a rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of Berber, Arab and African influences.
The Sahrawis have a long history of resistance against colonialism and occupation. In the 1970s
through the Polisario Front, they fought a war against Morocco and Mauritania. However, Mauritania withdrew from the occupation of Western Saharawi in 1979 leaving Morocco as the sole occupier and has since then led to the displacement of thousands of Sahrawis and the establishment of refugee camps in Algeria. Despite their displacement, the Sahrawis have maintained their cultural identity and traditions, and continue to fight for their right to selfdetermination and statehood.
A State and A Refugee Defined According to the UN According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), a refugee is defined as a person who has been forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, or natural disaster.
As for the Sahrawis case, they are fighting for their right to self-determination and statehood and are viewed as a Non-Self-Governing territory according to the UN. Logically, a refugee must be belonging to a certain state. By recognising the Sahrawis as refugees, they should be having a state (Western Sahara) that they call home but fled not due to being persecuted by their home government but rather a failure by Morocco to make sense of Article 73 under Chapter XI of the UN Charter – a root cause to be resolved in order to avoid dealing with the already protracted refugee crisis which is merely an effect of a known underlying problem.
On the other hand, according to the 1933 Montevideo Convention, a state, for purposes of international law, is defined as a community of people residing in a defined territory, under a government, and with the capacity to enter into relations with other states. This makes the term “stateless” also problematic, as the Sahrawi people have a distinct national identity and a recognised government-in-exile. The Western Sahara is recognised by the African Union (AU) as a sovereign state, highlighting the complexities of their situation.
The Refugee Situation
Algeria has provided refuge to Sahrawi refugees for five decades, resulting in one of the world’s longest protracted refugee crisis, with approximately 173,600 people in five camps relying on humanitarian assistance to survive. The Sahrawis remain refugees, stuck in a cycle of displacement without a country to call their own. Despite being recognised as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), they face an uncertain future.
The UN acknowledges Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory, but this status has not translated into meaningful progress toward statehood or self-governance.
The Sahrawi refugees’ plight is marked by a devastating combination of prolonged displacement, and a lack of durable solutions, with over 80% living in camps for over 50 years with limited access to basic services, education, and economic opportunities, while only 1% have been resettled or locally integrated.
The humanitarian situation in the Tindouf camps is dire, with Sahrawi refugees facing significant challenges, including limited access to education, with only 65% of children having access to primary education and enrolment rates dropping sharply at the secondary level; healthcare challenges, marked by shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and specialised care, resulting in high mortality rates among children under 5; and food insecurity, with over 70% of the population relying on food assistance to meet basic needs and 88% facing chronic food insecurity.
The Role of the UN and the International Community The United Nations has played a significant role in attempting to resolve the Western Sahara conflict. The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established in April 1991 to oversee a ceasefire and organise a referendum on self-determination. However, the referendum has yet to be held, and the conflict remains unresolved.
The international community has also been involved in providing humanitarian assistance to Sahrawi refugees and supporting peace negotiations. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the conflict and to support the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
The UN’s role in the Western Sahara conflict is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, the UN has played a crucial role in maintaining a ceasefire and promoting peace negotiations. On the other hand, the UN has been criticised for its failure to hold a referendum on self-determination, despite the fact that the referendum has been agreed upon by both parties.
The Art of Delay Without Saying No Deal
The US and France have significant interests in the region, influencing the conflict dynamics. The US has strategic partnerships with Morocco, providing military aid and cooperation, and has recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, which has been seen as biased towards Morocco’s position. France has historical ties with Morocco, providing diplomatic support and prioritising economic interests in the region, including investments in Morocco’s phosphate industry. Both countries have prioritised their own interests, often at the expense of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, leading to biased support for Morocco and a lack of pressure on the country to compromise. Furthermore, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, the US and France wield significant power in shaping UN decisions on Western Sahara, often protecting their interests and influencing the outcome to favour Morocco. This has limited MINURSO’s ability to fulfil its mandate, as the mission’s efforts are often undermined by the conflicting interests of these powerful countries. As a result, MINURSO’s effectiveness has been compromised, and the mission has struggled to make meaningful progress towards a solution.
A MINURSO without a human rights component makes it even weaker, as it silently witnesses human rights violations. To resolve this problem, it is essential to include a human rights monitoring component in MINURSO’s mandate, a mission that is primarily the responsibility of the UN Security Council – an organ to which US and France in solidarity with Morocco hold veto powers. Human rights violations in Western Sahara are often characterised by the repression of the opposition, the enforced disappearance of several hundreds of people, the arbitrary detention of thousands more, and the systematic use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
The Moroccan authorities continue to prohibit the expression of opinions favourable to the independence of Western Sahara. Sahrawis who support the right to self-determination and independence of the region, as well as human rights defenders and journalists who have observed and reported on violations of these rights by Moroccan security forces, have been subjected to intimidation, harassment, and prosecution.
Several Sahrawi human rights and civil society activists have been imprisoned after demonstrating for the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination. Many of them are mistreated, even tortured during interrogation. Human rights are universal and their defence is non-negotiable.
The protection of human rights is not just an objective in itself but rather an aspect that contributes concretely to the maintenance and consolidation of peace and peacekeeping efforts.
Notably, other UN peacekeeping missions have human rights protection mechanisms except MINURSO. For instance, MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo which integrates a human rights component that works to protect civilians, promote the rule of law, and ensure transitional justice, MINUSCA in Central African Republic which supports the government in its efforts to restore state authority, ensure security, and protect human rights, and UNMISS in South Sudan which works to protect civilians, promote human rights, and support transitional justice.
These missions, with their integrated human rights protection mechanisms, play a crucial role in the transition to peace and security, ensuring respect for human rights, and supporting sustainable development in countries transitioning from conflict, an opportunity that has not yet been granted to the Western Sahrawis.
African Solutions for African Problems
The African Union has recognised the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as a sovereign state, and has played a role in supporting the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. The African Union reiterated the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and decolonisation of Western Sahara after Trump’s move, while calling on Morocco to respect the pre-existing colonial borders at the time of independence as enshrined in article 4 (b) of the AU Constitutive Act. African solutions, such as mediation and dialogue, may hold the key to resolving the conflict.
The AU’s recognition of the SADR is a significant step towards resolving the conflict, and demonstrates the importance of African-led solutions to African problems.
The AU’s role in promoting peace and stability in Africa is crucial, and its recognition of the SADR is a testament to its commitment to supporting the rights of African peoples.
Challenges and Opportunities The Sahrawi people’s situation is complex and challenging, with many obstacles to overcome.
However, there are also opportunities for progress and resolution. Some of the key challenges and opportunities include:
Challenges:
Colonial Status: The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) has not completed her decolonisation from Morocco which limits access to international funding and support. This partial recognition also makes it difficult for the Sahrawi people to participate in international forums and decision-making processes. Morocco’s resistance in its colonial doctrine has complicated the UN mission to effectively implement the referendum as an anticipated solution to the crisis.
Moroccan control: Morocco controls most (up to 80%) of the Western Sahara territory, which makes it difficult for the Sahrawi people to exercise their right to self-determination. Morocco’s control also limits the Sahrawi people’s access to their natural resources, including fisheries and phosphates.
Refugee camps: The Sahrawi refugees have been living in camps in Algeria for decades, which has led to a range of humanitarian challenges, including poverty, hunger, and limited access to education and healthcare. The refugee camps are often located in remote areas, making it difficult for humanitarian organisations to provide assistance.
Limited economic opportunities: The Sahrawi people have limited economic opportunities, which makes it difficult for them to support themselves and their families. The lack of economic opportunities also makes it challenging for the Sahrawi people to invest in their future, including education and healthcare.
Opportunities:
International support: The Sahrawi people have the support of many countries and international organisations, which can help to pressure Morocco to recognise their right to self-determination.
This support can also help to raise awareness about the Sahrawi people’s situation and promote their cause.
African Union recognition: The African Union’s recognition of the SADR is a significant step towards resolving the conflict, and demonstrates the importance of African-led solutions to African problems.
The AU’s recognition also provides a framework for African countries to support the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
Peace negotiations: The ongoing peace negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front provide an opportunity for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. These negotiations can help to address the root causes of the conflict and find a mutually acceptable solution.
Humanitarian assistance: The international community can provide humanitarian assistance to the Sahrawi refugees, which can help to alleviate their suffering and improve their living conditions. Humanitarian assistance can also help to promote the health, education, and well-being of the Sahrawi people.
Recommendations: A Path Forward
Increased Humanitarian Assistance – Providing increased humanitarian assistance to Sahrawi refugees is essential to alleviating their suffering and improving their living conditions. This assistance would help to address the dire humanitarian needs of the Sahrawi people, including access to food, shelter, healthcare, and education. By providing increased humanitarian assistance, the international community can help to improve the health and well-being of Sahrawi refugees, and enhance their dignity and quality of life.
African-Led Solutions – Supporting African-led solutions, such as mediation and dialogue, can help to resolve the conflict in a peaceful and sustainable manner. African countries have a deep understanding of the regional dynamics and complexities of the conflict, and are well-positioned to facilitate dialogue and mediation efforts. By supporting African-led solutions, the international community can help to promote regional stability and security, and increase the chances of a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Inclusion of Sahrawi People in Peace Negotiations – The POLISARIO as a unique representative of the people of Western Sahara plays an important role in the peace negotiations. This representation is essential to ensuring that their rights and interests are represented. The Sahrawi people have a unique perspective on the conflict, and their inclusion in peace negotiations would help to ensure that any agreement is just, equitable, and acceptable. By including the Sahrawi people in peace negotiations, the international community can help to promote the legitimacy and credibility of the peace process, and increase the chances of a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Prioritising Sahrawi Rights and Interests – Prioritising the rights and interests of the Sahrawi people is essential to ensuring that any solution to the conflict is just and equitable. The Sahrawi people have been marginalised and excluded from decision-making processes for too long, and it is essential that their rights and interests are prioritised in any solution to the conflict.
By prioritising Sahrawi human rights and interests, the international community can help to promote the dignity and well-being of the Sahrawi people, and increase the chances of a peaceful and sustainable resolution by a democratic referendum to the conflict.
It’s further recommended that an independent human rights protection and monitoring mechanism be included in the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). Several human rights activists believe that independent monitoring of human rights situation in Western Sahara is essential to ensure the protection of the human rights of the populations in this region just like in other UN peacekeeping missions like MONUSCO in Democratic Republic of Congo, UNMISS in South Sudan among others.
Conclusion
The Western Sahara conflict is a complex and longstanding issue that has had a profound impact on the Sahrawi people. Despite the challenges and obstacles, there is a growing recognition of the need to find a peaceful and sustainable solution to the conflict. The international community has a crucial role to play in supporting the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and statehood, and in promoting a just and equitable solution to the conflict.
The international community must take a more proactive and engaged approach to resolving the Western Sahara conflict, recognising the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and statehood, while providing increased humanitarian assistance to Sahrawi refugees. International cooperation is essential, given the conflict’s regional and global implications, and a comprehensive and coordinated response is needed to promote regional stability and security. By working together and supporting African-led solutions, we can help ensure the Sahrawi people can exercise their right to self-determination and build a brighter future, increasing the chances of a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
In addition, the United Nations has a crucial role to play in resolving the Western Sahara conflict.
The UN can help to coordinate international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Sahrawi refugees, and to promote regional stability and security, by resolving obstacles to the referendum.
Without this, the prospect of voluntary repatriation for Sahrawi refugees in Algeria is daunting, given the decades-long conflict in Western Sahara and the lack of a clear plan for a peaceful settlement. The refugees’ ability to make a free and informed decision about returning to their homeland is complicated by the political status on the Western Sahara territory. As a result, any repatriation effort would require careful consideration and planning to ensure the refugees’safety and dignity to participate in the proposed referendum, but the path forward remains uncertain.
In contrast, the future of the Sahrawi people is uncertain, but there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.
With the support of the international community, the Sahrawi people can build a more just and equitable society, and exercise their right to self-determination and statehood. By working together, we can help to ensure that the Sahrawi people are able to realise their full potential, and to contribute to the development and prosperity of the region.
As we commemorate World Refugee Day, we reflect on the plight of millions of refugees worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. The Sahrawi people, who have been living in exile for decades, are a poignant example of the complexities and challenges faced by refugees. On this World Refugee Day 2025, we should know that refugeehood is merely an effect and a tip of an ice-burg to an underlying root cause that has to be dealt with accordingly. It’s upon this backdrop that all concerned stakeholders should reaffirm their commitment to supporting the Sahrawi people and promoting a just and peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict.