RFK Center and Aminatou Haidar Call for an Investigation into the Clashes in the Camp Outside El Aaiun | Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights

RFK Center and Aminatou Haidar Call for an Investigation into the Clashes in the Camp Outside El Aaiun | Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights

The RFK Center for Justice & Human Rights and 2008 RFK Human Rights Award Winner, Aminatou Haidar, call for an immediate investigation into the clashes between Moroccan military forces and thousands of Saharawis living in the Gadaym Izik camps in Western Sahara and denounce the violence. Initial reports indicate that up to 11 Saharawis have been killed and hundreds are wounded or missing. The Moroccan government disputes these reports indicating that 6 individuals have been killed and dozens injured. Between 12,000 and 25,000 people were protesting economic and social conditions in Western Sahara when the violence erupted.

The absence of reliable information on the incident demonstrates again the necessity for an independent human rights monitoring mechanism within the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, MINURSO. This human rights mandate would promote protection of human rights in the region.

The RFK Center and Ms. Haidar call for an immediate investigation by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights into the attacks, both at the camps in Gadaym Izik and within El Aaiun. The RFK Center and Ms. Haidar reiterate concern over the lack of a human rights monitoring mechanism to provide accurate information on human rights abuses in Western Sahara.

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