In a document baptized "Declaration of Santiago", they expressed their support with "strength and clarity" to  autonomy presented by the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations to solve peacefully this artificial conflict while emphasizing their "rejection of any form of separatism or terrorism".

In relation to the situation of women, participants in this academic meeting, organized on the initiative of the Center for Maghreb Studies for the Americas, based in the Chilean capital, welcomed the progress made in Morocco and Moroccan Sahara and the participation of women in political life and in activities of civil society while denouncing their sequestration by Polisario in Tindouf camps.

According to the Santiago Declaration, which was endorsed and signed by 67 personalities of different nationalities including university researchers, political scientists, human rights activists, trade unionists and representatives of civil society, delegates condemned "violations of human rights, abduction of women, use of children in military tasks and other abuses committed by Polisario separatist group".

During the seminar, speakers pointed out the "climate of terror" imposed by the Polisario within Tindouf camps where Saharawi populations are sequestrated and deprived of "the most basic" freedoms, while in contrast, the provinces of southern Morocco offer a living "democratic, developed environment inclusive and respectful of human rights".

The Moroccan Autonomy plan for the Southern Provinces is a "fair and creative development" proposal which, moreover, has been welcomed by the international community and described as "serious and credible", Chilean political analyst Andres Grimblatt said at this seminar which began last Friday.

This three-day meeting had been an opportunity to discuss several themes focused in particular on  the Sahara, place of Morocco in Africa, autonomy in the Sahara and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

In working groups, participants focused on "human rights" and "the role of women and civil society in today's world".

This academic event featured several meetings at which eminent professors and experts presented their analyzes and points of view on various current issues in relation to the Maghreb while several political scientists and representatives of civil society shared their points. with the audience and speakers.

The Center for Maghreb Studies for the Americas brings together academics, intellectuals, experts and representatives of social and cultural organizations in Latin America with the objectives, in particular, of studying and disseminating the framework of an academic approach, reality of the Maghreb countries, from a positive perspective, and promote support for peace, culture and dialogue.

-News on Western Sahara issue / Corcas-