The fact that the Kingdom of Morocco does not respect the fundamental rights of Saharawi minors is an issue that is raised repeatedly (e.g. E-007182/2016, E-009469-16).

International media sources now report that a Saharawi minor, Maulud Mohamed Hmaidaha, is being held in Laayoune’s Black Jail on the orders of the Court of First Instance after having taken part on 30 January, in peaceful demonstrations against the illegal occupation of Western Sahara. He was tortured by the prison authorities on his arrival, which is standard practice.

Article 37 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that:

‘No child […] shall be deprived of his or her liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily. […] Every child deprived of liberty shall be treated with humanity […] shall be separated from adults […] shall have the right to maintain contact with his or her family […] [and] shall have the right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate assistance.’

What action is the Commission taking to obtain the immediate release of this minor and respect for his fundamental rights?

Systematic violation of the fundamental rights of Saharawi minors forms an integral part of repression by the Moroccan occupying authorities in their colonisation of the area. This being so, will the Commission impose sanctions on the Kingdom of Morocco?