United Nations (New York), 13 November 2026 (SPS) – Switzerland has affirmed that the end of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) does not call into question the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, nor does it bring the conflict over Western Sahara to an end.
This position was expressed by Switzerland’s representative during a statement before the United Nations General Assembly, which discussed developments in the Western Sahara issue. Switzerland stressed that MINURSO was established primarily to enable the Sahrawi people to exercise their right to self-determination.
Switzerland warned that the end of the Mission’s mandate could create a security vacuum and lead to renewed instability in the region. It called on all concerned parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire, while reaffirming its support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and the United Nations’ role in facilitating negotiations.
It also stressed the need for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, urging Council members to fulfil their responsibilities and demonstrate the political will necessary to resume negotiations in a spirit of good faith, dialogue and consensus.
The United Nations General Assembly held a formal meeting on 10 and 11 November to discuss developments in the Western Sahara issue, pursuant to Resolution 76/262, following the use of the veto in the Security Council on the matter.
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