SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 9 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The International Association of Jurists for Western Sahara (IAJIUWS) has articulated its “strong disapproval” regarding the support of the President of the Canarian Government, Fernando Clavijo, for Spain’s stance on autonomy for Western Sahara, deeming it “unacceptable” to employ “immigration blackmail” in this regard.
“These children, who do not originate from Morocco, deserve to receive care in the Canary Islands in line with international human rights standards,” the statement asserts.
The organisation emphasises that Clavijo’s stance during a press conference with Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Naser Burita, contravenes international law and various United Nations resolutions, thus representing a “serious denial” of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
In support of this, it elaborates that the Sahrawi people’s right to determine their own future is enshrined in the United Nations Charter and in the historical Resolution 1514 from the United Nations General Assembly, which underpins the Right to Decolonisation.
Moreover, this right has been further affirmed by the recent judgement from the Court of Justice of the European Union, which clarifies the distinction between Sahrawi territory and Morocco.
Additionally, it insists that any trade agreements between the European Union and Morocco, particularly those pertaining to the natural resources of Western Sahara, require the assent of the Sahrawi people, as articulated by their legitimate representative, the Polisario Front.
As stated in resolution 2625 of the United Nations General Assembly, no militarily occupied territory should be recognised as part of the occupying power, it cautions.
The association highlights that Clavijo “has overlooked both this legal framework and the historical relationship of solidarity and coexistence that has connected the Canarian people with the Sahrawi” with a stance that is not only contrary to international law but also “places the Canary Islands in a precarious situation, in light of the ongoing conflict between Morocco and Western Sahara”.
“The stability and security of the Canary Islands hinge on peace and collaboration with its neighbours, including the Sahrawi people,” it remarks.
The association concludes its statement by pointing out that “support for the Sahrawi people has consistently been a fundamental aspect of Spanish politics throughout its democratic history, and the shift in position by some leaders does not mirror the prevailing sentiment of the parliamentary spectrum or civil society in Spain, which steadfastly upholds human rights and the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination”.
