The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is not a member of the United Nations, but member state of the African Union.
Western Sahara is an Arabic-, Spanish- and French-speaking only partially recognised state in North West Africa. It claims sovereignty over a former Spanish colony; most of the disputed territory is controlled by Morocco. The territory with an area of 266,000 square km borders the Atlantic Ocean to its west. On a global scale, its population density is very low; in fact, it is one of the most sparsely populated areas of the world. The temporary capital of the country, which was relinquished on 14 November 1975 by Spain, is Bir Lehlou. Western Sahara has 513,000 inhabitants.
Since Western Sahara is an AU member, its citizens and NGOs may file complaints to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
They may also file complaints according to the EU guidelines (on Human Rights Defenders, Death Penalty and Torture) to Embassies of EU Member States and the Delegations of the European Commission.
In cases of human rights violations by multinational enterprises, they may also invoke the National Contact Point in an OECD member state.
Western Sahara has not yet joined the International Criminal Court.
Last change: 28.01.10 - 12:33