Impact of COVID-19 in Western Sahara
15.4.2020
Question for written answer E-002297/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Sandra Pereira (GUE/NGL)
The outbreak of COVID-19, which has had a devastating impact in ‘developed’ countries and regions, has not yet really reached developing countries and regions - which are less well equipped with material, infrastructural and socioeconomic resources and technical skills to address the consequences of this virus for public health, social inclusion and economic development.
The situation of the people of Western Sahara - in the Tinduf camps, in the liberated territory, in the occupied territories and in Moroccan prisons - is particularly exposed to the devastation of infection by COVID-19.
The nature of the region and its climate and the limited access of the local population to resources and human rights mean that hygiene measures, physical distancing and sanitary interventions are not feasible: this creates conditions conducive to infection with the new coronavirus, whose impact is unpredictable. The situation on the ground is becoming increasingly fraught as the repression and colonial occupation by the Kingdom of Morocco become harsher.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:
- 1.Are any measures envisaged to reinforce the direct support given to the Sahrawi people, in particular the population located in the Tinduf refugee camps?
- 2.Is it in contact with the representatives of the Sahrawi people, the POLISARIO Front, and with the representatives of MINURSO, in order to secure the rights of these population groups in all Moroccan territories and prisons?