Rome (Italy) May 5, 2026 (SPS) In a statement published on the Italian Parliament’s website, the Chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Italian House of Representatives, Laura Boldrini, stressed the need for Italy to play an effective role in pushing for a just and lasting solution to the Sahrawi issue, stressing the importance of respecting international law and the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination.
Boldrini’s statement came after the conclusion of a field visit that led her to Sahrawi refugee camps, where she witnessed the difficult humanitarian conditions that the refugees are experiencing, and described the Sahrawi crisis as “the longest in the world without a solution.”
The Italian official highlighted that the Sahrawi people, led by the Polisario Front, were able, despite the harsh refugee conditions, to establish existing state institutions, including a parliament, local authorities, hospitals, and schools, in addition to centers designated for children with special needs.
Speaking about the humanitarian situation, Boldrini warned of the serious deterioration that the camps are witnessing, especially in light of the reduction in international aid, noting that the reductions in funding for the United States Agency for International Development have greatly affected the population who depend entirely on humanitarian aid. She also pointed out the severe water shortage, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Boldrini reported worrying data about the health situation, as a recent report from the University of London indicated that the rate of malnutrition had risen to 13.6 percent, with high rates of anemia in women reaching 69 percent, as a result of a lack of food. She also warned of a reduction in funding for international projects directed at supporting women by approximately 60 percent.
The head of the committee praised the contributions made by some Italian entities, including the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, in addition to municipalities and associations, considering that they are “appreciated but insufficient to meet the growing needs.”
In the political context, Boldrini reiterated that the Sahrawi people have been struggling for nearly five decades to complete their sovereignty over their lands in Western Sahara, after the withdrawal of Spanish colonialism and Morocco’s occupation of the region.
She also indicated that UN Security Council Resolution No. 2797 issued last October opens a real opportunity to find an agreed upon solution, highlighting the readiness of the Polisario Front to enter into negotiations leading to a solution based on self-determination.
At the conclusion of her statement, Boldrini announced her intention to submit a parliamentary initiative calling on the Italian government to play an active role in supporting the settlement process, in parallel with demanding an increase in humanitarian aid directed to the Sahrawi people at this critical stage.
It is worth noting that the Italian parliamentary official and her accompanying delegation held several meetings with Sahrawi officials, in addition to visiting various facilities. (Was)
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