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Morocco has positioned itself as a key actor in promoting stability across the Sahel and the broader Sahara region, advancing initiatives in development, security cooperation, and human rights. As the security and humanitarian crisis in the Sahel deepens, that role has taken on growing importance in international discussions on civilian protection.
This was the focus of my intervention at the side event “Protection of Civilians and Regional Security in the Sahel,” held on the sidelines of the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. I spoke about the importance of protecting civilians from armed conflict, extremism, and political violence, and pointed to Morocco’s efforts to promote peace, development, and human security in the Sahara region.
The protection of civilians remains one of the most urgent challenges facing the Sahel and North Africa. Armed groups and non-state actors continue to exploit vulnerable populations, often using civilians as instruments in political and military confrontations. The practice violates fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and undermines regional stability.
It was against this backdrop that I raised concerns regarding actions attributed to armed Polisario elements and the reported use of civilians in ways that place them at risk. Any attack targeting civilians, regardless of political justification, must be unequivocally condemned. Terrorism, violence, and intimidation have no place in the 21st century and cannot serve as legitimate tools for resolving political disputes.
Protection, however, is only half the picture. I also underlined Morocco’s commitment to empowering the people of the Sahara through sustained investment in education, infrastructure, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and economic development. These initiatives have improved living standards and created real opportunities for future generations, with the advancement of women and youth in the region reflecting a broader vision of inclusive development and social progress.
This vision has not emerged in isolation. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has pursued policies aimed at strengthening regional stability, promoting coexistence, and fostering sustainable development. Numerous international partners have recognized these efforts as essential pillars of lasting peace, alongside development and human security.
That international backing was reaffirmed most recently in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which I referenced during my remarks. The resolution reaffirms the importance of reaching a realistic, pragmatic, and lasting political solution to the Sahara issue within the framework of the UN process, underscoring the need for continued dialogue and constructive engagement among all parties.
These efforts point to a clear conclusion: the future of the Sahara should be built on peace, human dignity, and respect for international law. Civilians must never become victims of political agendas or armed confrontations. The international community shares a responsibility to support initiatives that advance stability, protect vulnerable populations, and encourage peaceful solutions to longstanding disputes.
As global leaders and civil society representatives gathered in Geneva to discuss civilian protection and regional security, the unmistakable message remained that sustainable peace can only be achieved when human rights, development, and security advance together. Morocco’s efforts in the Sahara demonstrate how investing in people — particularly women and young people — can contribute to a more stable and prosperous future for the entire region.
