Oxfam reaction to the UN Security Council failing to renew MINURSO's mandate in Western Sahara

Reacting to the UN Security Council failing to renew MINURSO's mandate in Western Sahara, Marco Di Cecco, Oxfam's Country Director in Algeria - leading the Western Sahara refugee response, said:

"The Security Council's failure to renew MINURSO's mandate marks a significant setback for the Sahrawis whose right to self-determination remains unfulfilled after five decades, while generations of Sahrawis continue to live in displacement. They must not be allowed to bear the consequences of international political inaction."

"The loss of MINURSO's monitoring and de-escalation functions risks undermining security and stability, with serious consequences to civilians and prospects of a peaceful resolution. The Security Council must act urgently to ensure the continuation of these functions and support an inclusive political process in line with international law and the Sahrawi's right to self-determination.

"At the same time, the international community must not allow this political deadlock to deepen the humanitarian crisis facing the Sahrawi refugees. Donors should ensure predictable, sustained and adequate humanitarian funding that provides people with access to safe water, food, shelter, and other essential services. Humanitarian assistance in the Sahrawi camps must be at scale and provided based on need, without discrimination or political conditionality.

"After five decades of displacement, Sahrawi resilience must never become an excuse for international inaction, or for them to be asked to surrender their rights."