A group of 40 states reaffirmed on Tuesday their support for Morocco’s “full and complete sovereignty” over its Southern Provinces, stressing that the Sahara issue is a political dispute under the purview of the UN Security Council and that a solution should be based on Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative, according to Morocco’s state news agency MAP.
The statement was delivered during the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva by Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office, Ambassador Omar Zniber.
The group said the Sahara issue is a political dispute being addressed by the Security Council, which has affirmed that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent “a most feasible outcome.”
The 40 states also expressed support for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31, 2025, which seeks to relaunch negotiations among the four parties specifically named in the resolution, based on Morocco’s Autonomy Plan.
They welcomed Morocco’s “updating and detailing” of its Autonomy Plan, as well as its commitment to facilitate the return and integration of populations from the Tindouf camps on the basis of equality among Moroccan citizens and within the framework of international guarantees and recognized practices.
The statement also welcomed Morocco’s long-standing engagement with the UN human rights system, particularly the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Council’s special procedures, regarding the promotion and protection of human rights.
The group further welcomed the opening of consulates general by numerous countries in Dakhla and Laayoune, describing the diplomatic presence as a means of strengthening economic cooperation and investment while benefiting local populations and contributing to regional and continental development.
The 40 states concluded that resolving the regional dispute would help advance the aspirations of African and Arab peoples for integration and development, adding that Morocco continues to pursue this objective through what the statement described as “sincere and continuous efforts.”
