This paper describes continuing human rights violations in Western Sahara and the apparent failure of the authorities to protect Sahrawis from such abuses. Concerns include the arrest of hundreds of Sahrawis between September 1991 and January 1993. Many were held without trial and allegedly tortured in detention. 28 people who were brought to trial were tried in camera; the trial may have been unfair. Hundreds of Sahrawis remain “disappeared”. Formerly “disappeared” prisoners now released are reportedly subject to surveillance, rearrest, internal deportation and threats not to speak of their experiences. Abuses by the armed opposition Polisario Front are also reported. AI is appealing for the mandate of MINURSO to be extended to include human rights concerns.
