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Western Sahara: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Asked by Brian LeishmanLabourForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 9 March 2026UIN 115922

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with her Moroccan counterpart on access to Western Sahara for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

The UK remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights globally, including in Morocco and Western Sahara, as we regularly make clear to all relevant parties. Officials, including up to ambassador level, regularly engage on these issues with the Moroccan Government and authorities. At the most recent UK-Morocco Human Rights Dialogue in November 2025, officials discussed areas of mutual interest, including freedom of expression, rights of minorities, women's rights, media freedom, and judicial reforms.

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