Members of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) have backed a resolution at the Annual General Meeting to support the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination and independence.
Annexed by Morocco in 1975, Western Sahara has been the subject of a territorial dispute between Morocco and its indigenous Saharawi people, led by the Polisario Front.
ACFID’s members, Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA and ActionAid Australia, put forward the resolution at the AGM which was held during the ACFID National Conference in Sydney and received the support of the ACFID membership.
Following the passing of the resolution, Executive Officer of Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA, Kate Lee, said:
“Today’s decision by ACFID members to support the resolution on Western Sahara is a strong signal from Australia’s development community that the status quo is not acceptable.
“The violation of human rights and ongoing illegal occupation by the Moroccan regime must end, and a pathway to peace implemented.
“For too long the Saharawi have been denied their legal right to a referendum on self-determination, which was agreed to 28 years ago, yet is continuously obstructed by Morocco.
“The Australian community must do all we can to help free Africa’s last colony.”
