Human Rights Watch takes no position on the issue of independence for Western Sahara. Morocco has occupied most of Western Sahara since 1975 when Spain ended its colonial administration in the vast desert territory. The people of Western Sahara have the right to self-determination under international law, Human Rights Watch said. Several states have recognized Morocco's sovereignty claim to the Western Sahara, most notably the United States in December 2020. The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights holds that all peoples "shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 25, 2026 12:45 UTC