International Women’s Day

 

On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Association of Relatives of Sahrawi Prisoners and Disappeared (AFAPREDESA) pays a vibrant tribute to the struggles of all women in the world for their emancipation and freedom. AFAPREDESA especially salutes the women who oppose the colonial yoke. Saharawi women fight, on a daily basis, against serious human rights violations, war crimes and genocide perpetrated by the Moroccan occupation forces. Through their dedication, their devotion and their sacrifice, Saharawi women perpetuate the attachment of an entire people to their freedom and independence, in accordance with current international law. The refugees, the martyrs, the disappeared, the tortured and the Saharawi women found in mass graves inspire us and illuminate our long and painful path to freedom with their examples of resistance and sacrifice. Sultana Sid Brahim Jaya has been subjected to a criminal siege in the occupied city of Bojador, together with her family, since November 19, 2020, that is, 474 days, that is, 1 year, 3 months and 19 days. Sultana, her sister Luaara and her mother Minatu Embeirik, 85, are locked up in their house that has been transformed into "a prison without the minimum living conditions" (water and electricity cuts, raids in the middle of the night, destruction of property, dumping of stones and dirty objects in front of the door and through the windows of the house). To this is added the sexual harassment, the verbal and physical aggressions and the rape to which she and her sister were victims in the presence of her mother. To all of them, AFAPREDESA pays an ardent tribute, as well as to the women human rights defenders, mothers, sisters, wives and daughters of the disappeared, detained and martyrs of the heroic resistance of the Saharawi people.

AFAPREDESA also expresses its gratitude and appreciation to all the women who accompany the Saharawi people in their struggle for their freedom and independence.