"In the light of increased interest in the natural resources of Western Sahara, it is timely to call upon all relevant actors to “recognize the principle that the interests of the inhabitants of these territories are paramount”, in accordance with Chapter XI, Article 73 of the Charter'," UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon wrote in his report to the United Nations Security Council on 10 April 2014.
Both French company Total and US company Kosmos Energy undertake exploration offshore the territory.
Kosmos said in a statement to Reuters: "Our activities are currently focused solely on exploration. ... If we were to make a commercially viable discovery, then we would only proceed with development in accordance with international law and best practices," it said.
Total had no immediate response to Reuters about the matter.
WSRW calls on addressing plunder
WSRW calls on UN Member States to address Morocco's plunder of Western Sahara during Morocco's UPR review in November.
WSRW calls upon UN to halt the plundering
In its statement to the United Nations’ Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), Western Sahara Resource Watch called for the establishment of a mechanism to place the proceeds from the exploitation of Western Sahara’s natural resources under international administration until the conflict has been resolved, and for the inclusion of a human rights component into the MINURSO mandate.
States urge Spain to respect Saharawi rights in Human Rights Council
Namibia and East-Timor have today recommended Spain to respect the Saharawi people's right to free, prior and informed consent with regard to the exploitation of Western Sahara's natural resources.
WSRW calls on UN Members to question Spain on Western Sahara at UPR
Next month, Spain’s human rights track record will be reviewed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. WSRW asks UN Member States to raise the rights of the people of Western Sahara, for whom Spain continues to bear responsibility.