The 1 st Edition of The Forum
1. Background
The First International Youth Forum in Solidarity with Western Sahara is organized by youth organizations, activists, and officials to address the pressing issues facing Sahrawi youth and to advocate for a sustainable future. This forum aims to provide a platform for dialogue, advocacy, and collective action regarding the ongoing conflict in Western Sahara, human rights violations, and the exploitation of natural resources.
2. Objectives
The forum will focus on the following key objectives:
- Advocate for Human Rights: Raise awareness and call for action concerning the human rights situation in Western Sahara and the Sahrawi refugee camps.
- Promote Sustainable Futures: Discuss sustainable development and empowerment strategies for Sahrawi youth.
- Encourage Political Solutions: Urge for a political resolution to the conflict that respects the rights and aspirations of the Sahrawi people.
- Enhance International Solidarity: Build a global coalition of youth organizations and activists committed to supporting the Sahrawi cause.
3. Key Themes
- A Sustainable Future for Sahrawi Youth: Focusing on education, employment, and advocacy for youth rights within the framework of international law and human rights.
- Human Rights Violations: Addressing reports of ongoing violations in both the occupied territories and the refugee camps, emphasizing the need for international oversight.
- Natural Resources and Economic Justice: Discussing the implications of resource exploitation in Western Sahara and advocating for the right of Sahrawi people to control their natural resources.
- The Wall of Shame: Examining the impact of military fortifications on the Sahrawi population and the implications for peace and security in the region.
4. Calls to Action
- During the forum, participants will collectively call on the United Nations Human Rights Council to:
- Monitor Human Rights: Closely oversee the human rights situation in Western Sahara, including areas under illegal Moroccan occupation.
- Publish Reports: Release previously banned reports regarding human rights findings from 2006 and 2015.
- Support Human Rights Defenders: Provide protection and support for Sahrawi human rights advocates.
- Assist the Sahrawi National Human Rights Committee: Offer logistical and legal support to enable a more robust monitoring process.
- Integrate Monitoring into MINURSO’s Mandate: Ensure that the protection of human rights is a fundamental component of the UN mission in the region.
- Reject Moroccan Oversight: Acknowledge the colonial nature of Moroccan institutions in Western Sahara and the need for independent monitoring and reporting.
5. Anticipated Outcomes
- A consolidated international youth network dedicated to advocating for the Sahrawi cause and wider human rights movements.
- A set of actionable recommendations aimed at the UN and other international bodies to promote peace and security in Western Sahara.
- Increased awareness and understanding of the complexities of the conflict among participants and observers.
- Empowered Sahrawi youth equipped with tools, knowledge, and collective support to advocate for their rights and a sustainable future.
6. Conclusion
The First International Youth Forum in Solidarity with Western Sahara will serve as a crucial stepping stone towards international engagement and awareness concerning the plight of the Sahrawi people. By bringing together youth leaders and activists, this forum aims to amplify their voices, foster solidarity, and push for effective measures to address the ongoing injustices in the region. This event not only underscores the urgent need for action but also highlights the critical role of youth in advocating for peace, justice, and sustainable futures across conflict-affected areas.