Born in Laayoune, Reaching the World
The idea of establishing the Sahrawi NGO Alliance stems from the accumulated experiences of civil society associations in the Southern Provinces of the Kingdom of Morocco and their counterparts across the MENA region.
It represents a convergence of wills among affiliates of this civil space to build transnational platforms for advocating for victims of gross human rights violations, contributing seriously to the global public debate on human rights issues and bringing the contexts of rights and democratic paths in our countries closer to international public opinion and the institutions, bodies, and specialized agencies of the UN human rights system.
"While the world entered a state of severe anxiety due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the thinking of civil components in the city of Laayoune intensified — to pave the way for amplifying voices from the South in the North, and viewing the world through a human rights lens."
The idea of forming a coalition was shaped by a belief in the power of cooperation among civil society members to ensure stronger protection and encourage a deeper understanding of the urgent needs of the victim community — to achieve its ultimate goal: the realization of justice and the rule of law.
Belief in universal human rights values was coupled with the will of dozens of civil activists and youth dynamics to create a civil body supported by expertise in international human rights law, humanitarian law, and national legislation of MENA countries.
During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in Laayoune, civil society leaders begin intensive discussions on forming a transnational human rights coalition. The confinement becomes a crucible for reflection — rethinking how civil voices from the South can reach the corridors of power in the North.
The Sahrawi NGO Alliance is officially established as an independent civil body to monitor and document human rights events in the MENA region and engage with UN protection mechanisms. Three founding organizations — Africa Watch, Defenders for Human Rights, and the International Network for Human Rights and Development — unite under a shared mandate.
Active participation in UN Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva. Submission of thematic reports to Treaty Bodies, deployment of documentation protocols in conflict-affected areas, and establishment of focal points in environments characterized by the most severe restrictions on human rights.
Expanding civil society partnerships, reinforcing capacity building for defenders, and building a cohesive human rights front capable of confronting impunity across all manifestations in the MENA region. The Alliance continues to grow — bringing new voices, new expertise, and renewed conviction to the global fight for dignity.
Be part of the movement for human rights and dignity in the MENA region.
Learn About the Alliance