Mark Drury

Overview of Human Rights Activism in Moroccan-Occupied Western Sahara

• Mechanism of Discourse: Human rights activism in Western Sahara has evolved as a response to state violence and is conceptualized as a form of "sousveillance" where people document and counteract state surveillance.
• Digital Video Importance: The rise of digital media, especially video, has played a critical role in documenting protests and making state violence visible.

Key Concepts

• Sousveillance Defined: Refers to acts of surveillance from below, where citizens use technology to record state actions, aiming to counteract oppression and highlight abuses.
• Human Rights Activism: Has become integral in the struggle for Sahrawi self-determination. Evolved since the early 1990s and intensified post-2005 during the Independence Intifada.

Historical Context

• 1991 Ceasefire: Background of activism began post-1991, following a UN-brokered ceasefire after 15 years of conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
• Emergence of Activism: Activism gained momentum with the formation of human rights groups, most notably in the wake of the Independence Intifada in 2005.

Notable Figures and Events

• Aminatou Haidar: A prominent human rights activist involved in drawing international attention to Sahrawi human rights abuses and advocating for the expansion of UN peacekeeping oversight.
• Independence Intifada (2005): Saw widespread protests and a surge in young Sahrawi activists employing nonviolent resistance, highlighting calls for rights and self-determination.

Impact of Surveillance

• State Surveillance: Heavy surveillance created a culture of caution among activists, limiting their public presence and necessitating careful organization.
• Counter Surveillance: Activists began using cameras and media strategically to document incidents of violence against them, creating a reciprocal form of surveillance.

Methodologies in Human Rights Documentation

• "Observed Participation": The act of engaging in activism while constantly being aware of surveillance by state apparatuses, which informs the strategies and methods employed by activists.
• Visual Documentation: With the growing role of technology, Sahrawi activists have begun utilizing video to document human rights violations deeply ingrained in their protest culture.

Relationship with the International Community

• Global Recognition: Human rights narratives have been reshaped to engage international audiences, positioning Sahrawi claims within broader discourses on self-determination and human rights principles.
• SADR’s Diplomatic Efforts: Officials of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) seek to utilize international platforms to expand oversight on human rights within Western Sahara.

Challenges and Limitations

• Repression and Resistance: The Moroccan government has increasingly sought to repress these multimedia and human rights efforts through detentions and legal charges against activists.
• Technological Threats: The rise of digital surveillance tools has further complicated the landscape, as activists face cyber threats targeting their communications and documents.

Conclusion

• Transnational Movement: The activism in Western Sahara, defined by a unique interplay between local struggles and international witnessing, reflects ongoing challenges and the resilience of human rights advocates.
• Future of Activism: Despite periodic setbacks, the engagement of activists in documenting and advocating for their rights showcases the vital role of visibility and media in contemporary human rights work.