The last group of Sahrawis at Barajas Airport in Madrid were deported on a midnight flight to Marrakech, Morocco, after their asylum requests were denied. These Sahrawis had documentation proving their Sahrawi origin, including favorable reports from UNHCR. Many of them claimed to be persecuted by Moroccan authorities due to their involvement in protests or affiliations with the Polisario Front. The strategy used against them includes creating files that label them as Polisario sympathizers, leading to detentions and difficulties in finding employment. Despite presenting evidence, only two out of nearly 40 Sahrawis at Barajas were allowed entry to Spain while their asylum requests were being processed.
Among the Sahrawis deported to Morocco was a deaf-mute cancer patient and individuals with family members who were imprisoned in Morocco for political activities. The Spanish government has been criticized for its handling of the Sahrawi asylum cases, with some activists claiming that Spain is ignoring the repression faced by these individuals in Morocco. Only high-profile cases like Aminatu Haidar and Sultana Jaya seem to receive attention and protection, while others are left without support. The Spanish government’s response to the Sahrawis at Barajas has been seen as lacking empathy and understanding of their situation.
The opacity surrounding the situation of Sahrawi asylum seekers at Barajas Airport has been a point of contention, with Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska avoiding direct questions about the deportations. Despite claims that each case is evaluated individually, critics argue that the government has failed to provide adequate support to Sahrawis fleeing persecution. The lack of distinction between Sahrawis and other Moroccan citizens at the airport has also led to confusion about the number of individuals affected by the deportations.
In addition to asylum, many Sahrawis at Barajas also sought statelessness status due to their rejection of Moroccan nationality. However, the Spanish government did not consider this request, and those who attempted both asylum and statelessness routes faced additional challenges in their applications. Spain’s historical involvement and subsequent disengagement from the Western Sahara conflict have shaped its approach to the asylum requests from Sahrawis, with recent shifts towards closer ties with Morocco raising concerns about its commitment to supporting Sahrawi rights.
The lack of support for Sahrawi asylum seekers at Barajas Airport reflects broader issues of discrimination and lack of empathy towards marginalized communities in Spain. The cases of these individuals highlight the complexities of seeking asylum and statelessness status in a system that may not fully recognize their unique identities and experiences. The ongoing deportations of Sahrawis raise questions about Spain’s obligations to protect vulnerable populations and uphold international human rights standards, especially in situations where individuals face real risks of persecution and harm in their home countries.
