OMDH Calls for UN Reform and Tindouf Camps Census

The Moroccan Organization for Human Rights (OMDH) has called for a reform of the United Nations system and renewed its demand for a census of the population of the Tindouf camps. The organisation’s national council made the call after meeting in session on Saturday, October 31.

That statement came a day after the UN Security Council failed on Friday to adopt a new resolution on the Moroccan Sahara, a resolution that, according to the organisation, would have moved the political process into a stage of implementing the autonomy initiative.

A push to reform the UN

The council said it had taken note of the developments in New York and argued that the time has come for an international, rights-based debate on reforming the UN. In its view, the organisation should become an effective tool of the international system rather than one serving the interests of certain parties at the expense of peoples’ causes.

Its discussions, the OMDH said, raised questions about how the UN works and how it is shaped by regional calculations that ignore the interests of peoples and the threats to regional peace and security.

The organisation recalled its earlier statements calling for a census of the Tindouf camps and for the issue to be settled on the basis of the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty, which it says meets human rights standards and international law and fulfils the principle of “self-determination”. It also cited the statement it issued in October 2025 after the adoption of Resolution 2797.

A census, the council said, would allow the camps’ residents to obtain the rights guaranteed to them under international law, first among them a refugee card and freedom of movement. It warned that the current situation could threaten regional peace and security and deepen what it described as the tragic humanitarian and human rights situation in the Tindouf camps.

Priorities for the new government

The session coincided with the formation of the new government and the presentation of its programme, on which the OMDH had submitted an advocacy memorandum to Head of Government Fatima Zahra Mansouri. The council urged a cross-cutting, human rights-based approach across public policies.

Among its demands were effective guarantees for freedom of opinion, expression, the press, peaceful assembly and association, legal protection for human rights defenders, a full review of the laws governing public freedoms, and stronger mediation during peaceful social protests.

Social and territorial justice featured among the council’s demands as well, alongside fair access to health and education, and the integration of environmental concerns linked to climate change, water stress and the depletion of natural resources. It voiced deep concern over the long delay in giving effect to the official status of Amazigh and the failure to respect provisions of Organic Law No. 26.16.

On young people, the council said their issues should not be handled from a purely “technical” angle but through effective rights, dialogue spaces and real participation. It further called for completing the reform of the Family Code in line with the human rights movement’s demands, activating the Authority for Parity and the Fight against All Forms of Discrimination with full independence, and guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities.

On migration, the OMDH asked for an evaluation and update of the national strategy on migration and asylum, reform of the related legal framework and a dedicated asylum law consistent with Morocco’s international commitments.

Tribute and annual reports

The session was named after the late Abdelaziz Bennani, whose role in founding and leading the organisation members recalled. Marking the World Day Against the Death Penalty on October 10, former OMDH president Mohamed Nachnach, who now heads the Network of Doctors Against the Death Penalty, gave a briefing on efforts to abolish capital punishment and was honoured by the organisation’s president.

OMDH president Noufal Baamri presented a report on the human rights situation in Morocco and the organisation’s work plan for the coming year, while treasurer Houssam Hab presented the financial report and the draft budget for next year.