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Resolution on Western Sahara
RESOLUTION ON WESTERN SAHARA ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF MEMBERS/ EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY BRAGA, PORTUGAL, 17-20 NOVEMBER 2011 1 COMEM 0995-11-FINAL The Arab Spring was sparked one year ago in Western Sahara when the Moroccan security forces used violence to dismantle the protest camp Gdeim Izik that has been set up against the ongoing discrimination, poverty and human rights abuses against Western Saharan citizens. The Western Saharan region had been a Spanish colony since 1958. On 14 November 1975, Morocco, Mauritania and Spain signed the “Tripartite Agreement” according to which Spain transferred the administration of Western Sahara to the other two countries. The “Green March” in 1975 meant the invasion of Western Sahara by Morocco, an occupation that has lasted until today. Part of the Western Saharan population remained at the occupied territories, and others had to abandon their country and subsist in refugee camps in the Algerian dessert. Since then there have been several relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions concerning the Western Saharan situation. Through the unanimous adoption of resolution 1495 in 2003, the Council expressed its continued strong support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, for their Peace Plan for self-determination of the people of Western Sahara as an “optimum political solution” on the basis of agreement between the two parties. The European Parliament counts on several Resolutions asking Member States to work on the protection of the Saharawi population, and respect for their fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of movement. The EP has also expressed its support for a just and lasting solution to the conflict in Western Sahara, based on the rule of law and international law. -
The Question of 'Race' in the Pre-Colonial Southern Sahara
The Question of ‘Race’ in the Pre-colonial Southern Sahara BRUCE S. HALL One of the principle issues that divide people in the southern margins of the Sahara Desert is the issue of ‘race.’ Each of the countries that share this region, from Mauritania to Sudan, has experienced civil violence with racial overtones since achieving independence from colonial rule in the 1950s and 1960s. Today’s crisis in Western Sudan is only the latest example. However, very little academic attention has been paid to the issue of ‘race’ in the region, in large part because southern Saharan racial discourses do not correspond directly to the idea of ‘race’ in the West. For the outsider, local racial distinctions are often difficult to discern because somatic difference is not the only, and certainly not the most important, basis for racial identities. In this article, I focus on the development of pre-colonial ideas about ‘race’ in the Hodh, Azawad, and Niger Bend, which today are in Northern Mali and Western Mauritania. The article examines the evolving relationship between North and West Africans along this Sahelian borderland using the writings of Arab travellers, local chroniclers, as well as several specific documents that address the issue of the legitimacy of enslavement of different West African groups. Using primarily the Arabic writings of the Kunta, a politically ascendant Arab group in the area, the paper explores the extent to which discourses of ‘race’ served growing nomadic power. My argument is that during the nineteenth century, honorable lineages and genealogies came to play an increasingly important role as ideological buttresses to struggles for power amongst nomadic groups and in legitimising domination over sedentary communities. -
Frente Polisario) (Western Sahara
United Nations I! Nations Unies Distr. RESTRICTED CRS/2019/CRP.10 ORIGINAL: E GLISH THIRD INTERNATIONAL DECADE FOR THE ERADICATION OF COLONIALISM Caribbean regio al seminar on the implementation of the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism: accelerating decolonization through renewed commitment and pragmatic measures Saint George s, Grenada 2 to 4 May 2019 STATEME T BY SIDI MOHAMED OMAR (FRENTE POLISARIO (WESTERN SAHARA) Statement of the Frente POLISARIO (Western Sahara) C-24 2019 Pacific Regional Seminar, St. Geor e's, Grenada, 2-4 May 2019 Sidi M. Omar Madame Chair, Distinguished Representatives and Delegates of Member States, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to address the Committee for the second time here in Grenada on behalf of the Frente POLISARIO, the legitimate and UN-recognised representative of the people of the Non-Self- Governing Territory of Western Sahara, which has been on the agenda of this Committee since 1963. The theme of the seminar dealing with the Implementation of the Third I ternational Decade for the Eradication of Colo ialism: accelerating decolonization through renewed commitment and pragmatic measures is relevant to the question of Western Sahara. It is my intention therefore to share with you the views of the Frente POLISARIO on the current situation and the way forward in the decolonisation process of the Territory. The question of Weste Sahara as a Non-Self-Governing Territory is a straightforward and clear- cut issue of decolonisation in accordance with the resolutions of the General Assembly, which is the principal organ of the U with the responsibility regarding matters of decolonisation. -
Greening the Agriculture System: Morocco's Political Failure In
Greening the Agriculture System: Morocco’s Political Failure in Building a Sustainable Model for Development By Jihane Benamar Mentored by Dr. Harry Verhoeven A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of Honors in International Politics, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Spring 2018. CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 2 • THE MOROCCAN PUZZLE .................................................................................................... 5 • WHY IS AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IMPORTANT FOR MOROCCO? .............................. 7 • WHY THE PLAN MAROC VERT? .......................................................................................... 8 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................... 11 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................ 13 • A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR “DEVELOPMENT”....................................................... 14 • ROSTOW, STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT PROGRAMS (SAPS) & THE OLD DEVELOPMENT DISCOURSE ......................................................................................................................... 19 • THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURE IN DEVELOPMENT .............................................................. 24 • SUSTAINABILITY AND THE DISCOURSE ON DEVELOPMENT & AGRICULTURE ................ -
Country Report MOROCCO
Country report MOROCCO Summary Morocco’s stable growth and banking sector, despite the global crisis, mark the county’s present relatively sound economic state. Although Morocco suffered from lower inflows of remittances, less tourism and reduced textile exports related to contracting European markets, expansionary economic policies were feeding domestic demand and almost fully compensated for these external demand reductions. Growth reached over 5% in 2009. Unemployment, already high among younger Moroccans, remains an urgent issue as failure to reduce it may lead to social unrest. Morocco’s governance indicators are in line with most of its neighbouring countries, but clearly below the lowest west-European levels of Greece. Compared with its immediate peers, Morocco’s declining public debt at still 54% of GDP may be somewhat on the high side, but foreign debt is rather low at 20% of GDP. Foreign reserves are sufficient at 7 months of import value, indicating a favourable short term ability to pay. Economic policies and performance plus adequate political stability promise also favourable payment behaviour in the medium to longer term. Things to watch: • Growth in the European export markets • Prominence of currently minor militant Islamist groups Author: Leendert Colijn Country Risk Research Economic Research Department Rabobank Nederland Contact details: P.O.Box 17100, 3500 HG Utrecht, The Netherlands +31-(0)30-21-67063 [email protected] June 2010 Rabobank Economic Research Department Page: 1/7 Country report MOROCCO Morocco -
The Green March Brings Forth the Desert Treasures
The Newsletter | No.75 | Autumn 2016 6 | The Study The Green March brings forth the desert treasures Japan-Morocco economic and technical cooperation in the fishing sector has inadvertently resulted in Moroccan domestic politics integrating Western Sahara into the national territory. Japanese cooperation does not officially extend to Western Sahara due to the region’s disputed political status, yet it was nevertheless effectively used by the Moroccan government to develop the fishing industry in the region. This was motivated by the rich fishing grounds off the south- Atlantic coastline, from Tarfaya to the Mauritanian border, which are good for more than 60 percent of the Moroccan national fishery production in quantity and value. Furthermore, after thirty years of Japanese cooperation, the Moroccan fishing industry in Laâyoune and Dakhla (Western Sahara) now plays a leading role in the south-south cooperation between Morocco and sub-Saharan countries, by initiating workshops and educational programmes designed for the transferral of technical knowledge. Mayuka Tanabe FISH MAKES UP HALF of all animal protein consumption coming from the north of Tarfaya and also for the local Above: has increased its negotiating power with regard to fisheries in Japan, the highest rate in the world; the fishing industry Saharawi groups, in view of total annexation of Western Disembarkation agreements. Furthermore, the development of the artisanal has long been a vital part of economic and social life of the Sahara to Morocco by means of economic integration. of sardines at the fishing sector has contributed to a new pattern of internal nation. Since the 1960s, however, Japan has had to start In light of this political context, Japan’s financial and port of Laâyoune migration of fishermen (see below), and has also helped them importing fisheries products (seafood) as a way to counter- technical support has played an indirect but significant role. -
Beyond Islamists & Autocrats
PROSPECTS FOR POLITICAL REFORM POST ARAB SpRING Beyond Islamists & Autocrats MOROCCO: peting through more or less free and fair elections for par- liamentary and governmental positions since 1956, when Prospects for Civil Society the country established independence from French rule, n Vish Sakthivel arguably the greatest prospects for democratic reform can be found not in traditional political institutions but in the This paper, the second in a series exploring reformist country’s civil society. As this paper demonstrates, civil so- actors among non-Islamists throughout the region, ex- ciety entities such as trade unions and organizations work- amines prospects for political reform in Morocco. The ing on democratic development, women’s empowerment, paper defines democratic/reformist actors as individu- human rights, and the rights of the Berber (Amazigh) mi- als or groups supporting the familiar procedural mech- nority carry promise for Morocco’s democratic prospects, anisms of power sharing, such as regular elections and even as the political system remains dominated by the open contestation for political office, and also possi- monarchy. Indeed, since the constitutional reforms of bly working to strengthen the attendant freedoms of 2011, many Moroccan political groups, including those expression, association, and press; legal protections counterdemocratic strains with strong links to the regime, for minorities; and social conditions, such as literacy, portray themselves as reform-oriented, democratic actors widely acknowledged to be necessary components of a and may, in certain ways, serve as facilitators for reform democracy. Religious or Muslim democrats—or those groups. But their primary role is to facilitate continued le- seeing a role for religion in public life—are included in gitimacy for the regime, often taking up the ancillary role this definition. -
Report on the Kingdom of Morocco's Violations Of
REPORT ON THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO’S VIOLATIONS OF ARTICLE 1 OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS IN THE PARTS OF WESTERN SAHARA UNDER MOROCCAN OCCUPATION On the occasion of Morocco’s fourth periodic report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights To the attention of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Submitted by Western Sahara Resource Watch to the Committee on 18 August 2015 Contact: Sara Eyckmans, International Coordinator, Western Sahara Resource Watch, [email protected] www.wsrw.org 1 Executive Summary 2015 marks forty years since the invasion and occupation of what has come to be regarded as Africa’s last colony, Western Sahara. A significant number of well-established human rights obligations apply in the three quarters of the territory that is under Moroccan occupation. International law contains clear prescriptions for the protection, political independence and advancement of the Saharawi people, who were the original inhabitants of Western Sahara, then Spanish Sahara, until they were abandoned by Spain in 1975. Foremost is the right of self-determination of non-self-governing peoples. The norms prescribed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights have been consistently violated in occupied Western Sahara. This submission for the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has been prepared by Western Sahara Resource Watch, an international non-governmental organization, based in Brussels. It is intended to highlight the significant failure of Morocco as the occupying power or State with responsibility for the territory of Western Sahara and the Saharawi people to ensure even the most basic compliance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. -
The Muslim 500 2011
The Muslim 500 � 2011 The Muslim The 500 The Muslim 500 � 2011 The Muslim The 500 The Muslim 500The The Muslim � 2011 500———————�——————— THE 500 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS ———————�——————— � 2 011 � � THE 500 MOST � INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · All rights reserved. No part of this book may be repro- The Muslim 500: The 500 Most Influential Muslims duced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic 2011 (First Edition) or mechanic, inclding photocopying or recording or by any ISBN: 978-9975-428-37-2 information storage and retrieval system, without the prior · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · written permission of the publisher. Views expressed in The Muslim 500 do not necessarily re- Chief Editor: Prof. S. Abdallah Schleifer flect those of RISSC or its advisory board. Researchers: Aftab Ahmed, Samir Ahmed, Zeinab Asfour, Photo of Abdul Hakim Murad provided courtesy of Aiysha Besim Bruncaj, Sulmaan Hanif, Lamya Al-Khraisha, and Malik. Mai Al-Khraisha Image Copyrights: #29 Bazuki Muhammad / Reuters (Page Designed & typeset by: Besim Bruncaj 75); #47 Wang zhou bj / AP (Page 84) Technical consultant: Simon Hart Calligraphy and ornaments throughout the book used courtesy of Irada (http://www.IradaArts.com). Special thanks to: Dr Joseph Lumbard, Amer Hamid, Sun- dus Kelani, Mohammad Husni Naghawai, and Basim Salim. English set in Garamond Premiere -
Governance and Representation in the Afghan Urban Transition
Afghanistan’s Constitution Ten Years On: What Are the Issues? Mohammad Hashim Kamali August 2014 Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit Issues Paper Afghanistan’s Constitution Ten Years On: What Are the Issues? Mohammad Hashim Kamali August 2014 Funding for this research was provided by the United States Institute of Peace and the Embassy of Finland. 2014 Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit Cover photo: (From top to bottom): A view of the 2004 constitutional Loya Jirga Sessions; people’s representatives gesture during 2004 constitutional Loya Jirga; people’s representatives listening to a speech during 2004 constitutional Loya Jirga; Loya Jirga members during the 2004 Constitutional Loya Jirga, Kabul (by National Archives of Afghanistan). AREU wishes to thank the National Archives of Afghanistan for generously granting access to its photo collection from the 2004 Constitutional Loya Jirga. Layout: Ahmad Sear Alamyar AREU Publication Code: 1416E © 2014 Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of AREU. Some rights are reserved. This publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted only for non- commercial purposes and with written credit to AREU and the author. Where this publication is reproduced, stored or transmitted electronically, a link to AREU’s website (www.areu.org.af) should be provided. Any use of this publication falling outside of these permissions requires prior written permission of the publisher, the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit. Permission can be sought by emailing [email protected] or by calling +93 (0) 799 608 548. -
Spain, Portugal & Morocco Information
Spain, Portugal & Morocco Information Nothing can quite compare with the exotic flavors of Morocco, Spain and Portugal. This region forms the crossroads of Africa and Europe—a unique melting pot of ideas, customs and artistic expression. Fantastical architecture abounds in Spain from Gaudi to Gehry, the movement of their work echoing the twirl of flamenco dancers. Portugal is rich with medieval wonders and the world’s premier fortified wine—port. And Morocco captures the wanderer’s heart with exotic bazaars and colorful palaces aplenty. One thing is for sure, a journey to this part of the world will awaken all of your senses. History Morocco Morocco’s strategic location has shaped its history. Beginning with the Phoenicians, a procession of civilizations ruled the area, including the Romans, Visigoths and Greeks. Arab forces began to occupy Morocco in the seventh century, bringing the practice of Islam along with them. In fact, the Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled Morocco since 1649, claims a lineage from the Prophet Muhammad. Political jockeying for control of Morocco began in the fifteenth century, with Portugal, Spain and France all vying for position. France and Spain ended up with joint control for a time. Independence did not fully come to the country, now known as the Kingdom of Morocco, until March 2, 1956. Portugal Stemming from the Roman name Portus Cale, meaning “beautiful port,” Portugal lines the Iberian Peninsula’s Atlantic Coast. A constant flow of civilizations have laid claim to these picturesque lands throughout history— Celtic, Greek, Roman and Moorish just to name a few. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Portugal’s emphasis was exploration, and its empire stretched from Brazil to the Indies. -
The Position of the Moroccan Jewish Community Within the Anglo- Moroccan Diplomatic Relations from 1480 to 1886
The Position of the Moroccan Jewish community within the Anglo- Moroccan Diplomatic Relations from 1480 to 1886 A presentation made by Mohammed Belmahi, KCFO, former Moroccan Ambassador to London (1999-2009), upon the invitation of the Rotary Club of London, on Monday 11th. May 2015, at the Chesterfield hotel, 35 Charles Street, Mayfair. [email protected] The Kingdom of Morocco has always considered its Jewish community as an integral part of its social, cultural, economic and political fabric. The Moroccan Constitution of 17 June 2011 states in its Preamble the following: "[The Kingdom of Morocco's] unity is forged by the convergence of its Arab-Islamic, Berber and Saharan-Hassanic components, nourished and enriched by its African, Andalusian, Hebraic and Mediterranean influences." Both at home and abroad, this community has enjoyed the trust, protection and support from the Kingdom's sovereigns. The Jews have in return contributed in the making of a multicultural and religiously diversified Moroccan society. Their craftsmanship, intellectual skills and international trading networks have helped boost the Moroccan economy. Therefore, Moroccan rulers have, throughout history, kept appointing prominent Moroccan Jews to high government positions such as political advisors, ministers, ambassadors, envoys, official trade representatives, or customs-duty and tax collectors. We choose to review this historical reality and examine it from the specific angle of the Anglo-Moroccan diplomatic relations going 800 years back in time. Such a long history permits us to make a deeper appraisal of the Moroccan Jews' position within these relations. Furthermore, our historical investigations are faced with no dearth of source- material, even when looking for data from as far back as the Sixteenth Century, when a continuous diplomatic relationship began between Morocco and England.(1) We will try to appraise this positioning by analysing a set of events and cases depicting Moroccan Jews during four centuries of Anglo-Moroccan relations, from 1480 to 1886.