The practices of Spain’s Ministry of the Interior regarding Sahrawi asylum seekers have raised serious concerns, particularly in the context of collaboration with the Moroccan authorities. In recent years, Spain has increasingly rejected asylum requests from Sahrawis, often in what appears to be an arrangement with Morocco. Notably, there have been troubling reports of Moroccan translators being present at asylum interviews, which raises questions about the fairness and neutrality of the process. Additionally, the appointment of Moroccan lawyers, many of whom are opposed to the Sahrawi cause, further complicates the asylum process for these individuals.
This trend comes amid a shift in Spain’s foreign policy, marked by its growing ties with Morocco, especially after diplomatic changes in the region. As a result, Sahrawis seeking refuge in Spain have encountered greater obstacles in their fight for asylum. Some have even reported being detained upon arrival, facing a lack of due process, while others have experienced delays or outright denials of their applications.
Spain, due to its historical responsibility in the Western Sahara region and its role in the decolonization process, has an obligation to protect the Sahrawi people from the oppressive conditions they face under Moroccan rule. The failure to uphold this responsibility is evident in the increasing refusal to grant asylum, despite the ongoing human rights violations and the harsh treatment of Sahrawis in Moroccan prisons. Many Sahrawis are fleeing political repression, and the denial of asylum could expose them to severe consequences in Morocco, including imprisonment and torture.
In the context of these challenges, it is essential that Spain revises its stance on Sahrawi asylum seekers and fulfills its historical duty to protect human rights by providing sanctuary to those escaping persecution. The current situation reflects not only the inadequacies in the asylum system but also a troubling shift in Spain’s policies that risks aligning too closely with Morocco at the expense of international human rights standards.
