Rome (Italy), May 6, 2026 (SPS) – The Chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Laura Boldrini, stressed in a statement published on the Italian Parliament’s website the need for Italy to play an active role in promoting a fair and lasting solution to the Sahrawi issue, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
Boldrini’s statement came following the conclusion of a field visit she led to the Sahrawi refugee camps, where she observed the difficult humanitarian conditions faced by the refugees and described the Sahrawi crisis as “the longest unresolved crisis in the world.”
The Italian official highlighted that the Sahrawi people, under the leadership of the Polisario Front, have managed—despite the harsh conditions of exile—to establish functioning state institutions, including a parliament, local bodies, hospitals, and schools, as well as centers dedicated to children with special needs.
Regarding the humanitarian situation, Boldrini warned of the serious deterioration in the camps, particularly in light of the reduction in international aid. She noted that cuts affecting the funding of the United States Agency for International Development have had a significant impact on the population, which relies entirely on humanitarian assistance. She also pointed to the acute shortage of water amid temperatures exceeding 40°C.
Boldrini conveyed alarming data about the health situation, citing a recent report by the University of London indicating that the rate of malnutrition has risen to 13.6%, with high levels of anemia among women reaching 69% due to food shortages. She also warned that funding for UN projects aimed at supporting women has been reduced by nearly 60%.
The committee chair praised the contributions made by some Italian entities, including the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, as well as municipalities and associations, considering them “valuable but insufficient to meet the growing needs.”
In the political context, Boldrini reiterated that the Sahrawi people have been struggling for nearly five decades to complete their sovereignty over their territory in Western Sahara, following the withdrawal of Spanish colonialism and Morocco’s occupation of the region.
She also pointed out that United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, issued last October, opens a real opportunity to reach a mutually agreed solution, highlighting the Polisario Front’s readiness to engage in negotiations leading to a solution based on self-determination.
In conclusion, Boldrini announced her intention to present a parliamentary initiative calling on the Italian government to play an active role in supporting the settlement process, alongside advocating for increased humanitarian aid to the Sahrawi people during this critical period.
It is worth noting that the Italian parliamentary official and the accompanying delegation held several meetings with Sahrawi officials, in addition to visiting various institutions and facilities.
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