Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made for the potential implications for his policies of allegations of (a) forced disappearances and (b) degrading treatment of female Sahrawi refugees in the Tindouf camps.

The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, including in Western Sahara and the Tindouf refugee camps. We consistently support language in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions that encourages the parties to continue efforts to enhance human rights in Western Sahara. We support the work of Staffan de Mistura, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, and welcomed his September visit to the region. We continue to engage key partners to encourage constructive engagement with the political process. We also discuss human rights with the Moroccan authorities including through our bilateral dialogues.