The resolution, which was circulated by the United States circulated to the members of the Security Council on April 22, is almost 100 per cent identical to the resolution 2152 adopted by the UNSC last year.

The resolution, which was adopted by unanimity, recognizes and welcomes the recent steps and initiatives taken by Morocco to strengthen the National Council on Human Rights Commissions operating in Dakhla and Laayoune and Morocco’s ongoing interaction with Special Procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council including those planned for 2015, as well as the planned visit of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in 2015”.

On the other hand, it calls on both sides, Morocco and the Polisario, to respect human rights and stresses “the importance of improving the human rights situation in Western Sahara and the Tindouf camps, and encouraging the parties to work with the international community to develop and implement independent and credible measures to ensure full respect for human rights.”

In addition to renewing MINURSO’s mandate for another year, it also stresses that the consolidation of the status quo “is not acceptable, and notes that “progress in the negotiations is essential in order to improve the quality of life of the people of Western Sahara in all its aspects.”

As in resolution 2099 adopted in April 2013 and resolution 2152 adopted in April 2014, this year’s resolution renews its call on the parties to the conflict, Morocco and the Polisario Front “to conduct negotiations, without preconditions and in good faith, taking into account the efforts made since 2006 and subsequent developments, with a view to achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution.”

France’s representative in the Council reiterated his country’s support to the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007, pointing out that it “is a serious and realistic option” that could serve as basis to find a solution to the conflict.

He also praised the efforts made by Morocco to uphold the situation of human rights in the territory, such the adoption of a new code on military justice and the accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against torture. In this regard, he pointed that these measures will help improve the situation of human rights in the territory.

On the other hand, echoing the recommendation contained in the UNSG’s report to the Council on the “Situation in the Sahara,” the French diplomat highlighted the need to conduct a registration of the population living in Tindouf.

News and events on Western Sahara issue/ CORCAS