Sahrawi repatriation depends on U.N. peace process
The repatriation of the Sahrawi refugees depends on the resolution of the United Nations Settlement plan for the Sahara, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Ms. Sadako Ogata, said.
In a document titled "general presentation of the HCR activities for 1997-1999," submitted to the representatives of 53 countries including Morocco, the UNHCR voiced hope that "the United Nations settlement plan for Western Sahara will lead to a lasting solution to the problem of refugees who have been living in exile for 22 years."
The repatriation of refugees is among the last steps that will lead to the self-determination referendum to determine whether the Sahara, a former Spanish colony retrieved by Morocco in 1975, sets up on its own or joins Morocco.
However, due to the Algerian-backed Polisario front's tactics to limit the voters lists, the referendum, initially set for next December 7, will be delayed to the beginning of next year.
The HCR says that the U.N. plan clearly defines the HCR role in repatriating the refugees and their close relatives, in addition to other Sahrawis and members of the Polisario front authorized to vote in the referendum.
By virtue of the HCR mandate, the case of any refugee population remaining in Tindouf will be examined individually and jointly with the country granting asylum with a view to finding the appropriate solution for each case.
According to the existing plans, the repatriation operation would have started last August 2 and be completed on November 15 to allow for the holding of the self-determination referendum on December 7, the HCR says.
The UNHCR adds that it needs at least 15 weeks to soundly conduct the repatriation of refugees from Algeria and Mauritania. However, the operation cannot be started before the completion of certain key activities provided by the settlement plan.
The HCR stresses the need to establish an atmosphere of trust and full cooperation between the parties concerned to facilitate the implementation of the plan.