Morocco Blocks the Entry of Kim Bolduc

Morocco met with the UN Assistant Secretary-General regarding the Special Representative for Western Sahara, Ms. Kim Bolduc. Morocco demands respect for MINURSO’s mandate and opposes the instrumentalization of human rights for political purposes. Concerns persist about past and potential future missteps by MINURSO.

Morocco Opposes Expanding MINURSO’s Mandate to Include Human Rights

Following a meeting with the UN Assistant Secretary-General, Morocco expressed concerns about MINURSO’s mandate in Western Sahara. Morocco rejects any expansion of the mandate and insists on adhering to the mission’s three pillars: monitoring the ceasefire, demining, and logistical support. Morocco also condemns MINURSO’s interference in human rights issues. Morocco expressed its concerns to the UN about MINURSO’s failure to respect its mandate in Western Sahara, rejecting interference in human rights and attempts to extend the mission’s scope. Examples of past missteps include meetings with NGOs and issues related to travel document stamps.

Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND COOPERATION – RABAT

MAIN RECIPIENTS: CAB – MD – SG – DG8.1 – DG8.3
FAX NO.: F/472/OR DATE: September 3, 2014
PAGE(S):

Subject: Sahara / Meeting with the Under-Secretary-General and Chief of Staff to the UN Secretary-General

I have the honor to inform you that, following the approval of the Minister, I met this afternoon, at her request, with Ms. Susana Malcorra, Under-Secretary-General and Chief of Staff to the UN Secretary-General. The discussion mainly focused on the case of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the Sahara, Ms. Kim Bolduc. In this regard, I conveyed the following points to Ms. Malcorra:

Ms. Bolduc may travel to Morocco as early as tomorrow, provided she receives necessary assurances about the strict respect for the mandate of MINURSO and adherence to the rules and practices observed over the past 24 years.

Morocco cannot accept a policy of faits accomplis, the instrumentalization of human rights, or attempts to expand MINURSO’s mandate.

Since the last report of the UN Secretary-General, certain Secretariat members appear to aim at granting MINURSO a de facto monitoring role for human rights.

Morocco only requests respect for the three pillars of MINURSO’s mandate: monitoring the ceasefire, contributing to demining, and providing logistical support for confidence-building measures (CBMs).

While Morocco, in a gesture of goodwill, has set aside the issue of Ms. Bolduc’s appointment following the three letters from the Secretariat, it remains concerned about past or potential deviations by MINURSO. Some examples include:

MINURSO’s insistence that meetings of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR) technical mission in the Sahara last April with Moroccan NGOs be held at its headquarters. Additionally, there were alleged instructions to MINURSO and the HCHR that all future meetings of Special Procedures with NGOs must also occur at MINURSO headquarters.

Attempts to impose equal treatment between Morocco and the Polisario regarding the stamping of travel documents for UN personnel.

Ms. Bolduc’s contacts with the Polisario prior to taking office and her declared intention to address human rights issues “as soon as she is well-settled.”

Ms. Malcorra responded as follows:

She contacted Mr. Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and Mr. Edmond Mulet, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, who assured her that “the mandate of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative will align with MINURSO’s mandate.” They are working based on the pillars of the mandate I outlined.

Mr. Ladsous is prepared to travel to Rabat to reassure Moroccan authorities and dispel any doubts regarding Morocco’s concerns about MINURSO’s mandate. Ms. Bolduc could accompany him.

She is unaware of Ms. Bolduc’s statements or contacts. However, she will personally ensure that Ms. Bolduc fully understands the scope and limits of MINURSO’s mandate.

She will inquire with Mr. Ladsous and Mr. Mulet about the instructions given to MINURSO personnel regarding their entry into the Sahara via northern Moroccan airports to avoid Moroccan authorities’ stamps at Laâyoune airport. She added that this issue must be resolved in compliance with MINURSO’s mandate.

Ms. Bolduc is described as someone willing to collaborate, listen, and address issues. She does not have a hidden agenda and has years of experience working in challenging environments.

She believes it is time to work together and initiate a “forward-looking phase” that will establish a shared vision of common challenges and opportunities, based on the principle of “no surprises” and within the framework of MINURSO’s mandate as defined by the Security Council. She emphasized the importance of discussing and resolving issues before they become public.

I responded as follows:

Morocco does not question Ms. Bolduc’s integrity. However, certain elements within the Secretariat are pressuring her to overstep MINURSO’s mandate.

Morocco feels as though it is dealing with “multiple UN Secretariats,” whose aim appears to be applying pressure on Morocco. Human rights are under the jurisdiction of the HCHR in Geneva, and Morocco demands that the Secretariat in New York refrain from interfering with the HCHR’s mandate.

Morocco is not afraid to discuss human rights, as this issue is regularly and peacefully addressed in cooperation with the HCHR and Special Procedures.

No one will travel to Rabat to discuss the issue of Ms. Bolduc or MINURSO’s deviations. Morocco wants to resolve these matters directly with Ms. Malcorra, in whom it has full confidence.

Ms. Malcorra must ensure that Ms. Bolduc commits to strictly respecting MINURSO’s mandate.

To this end, I proposed a three-way meeting between Ms. Malcorra, Ms. Bolduc, and myself, in her office, to ensure that Ms. Bolduc understands the stakes of her mission, the necessity of adhering to MINURSO’s mandate, and to avoid any future claims of ignorance regarding MINURSO’s commitment to non-interference in human rights matters.

Without clarifications and guarantees on these points, Ms. Bolduc will not be able to travel to Morocco.

Ms. Malcorra accepted my proposal enthusiastically and promised to organize this meeting as soon as possible. Prior to this, she will meet separately with Mr. Ladsous, Mr. Mulet, and Ms. Bolduc to clarify the issues raised.

Conclusions:

In light of the above, the following observations can be made:

A resolution in our favor regarding the crisis surrounding Ms. Bolduc’s appointment seems achievable.

Presenting past deviations and potential future oversteps by MINURSO to Ms. Malcorra has enabled Morocco to hold the UN Secretariat accountable for its responsibilities and the risks posed to MINURSO.

Morocco’s demand for “no surprises” in reports and relations with the Secretariat is reflected in its transparency in raising grievances and warning the Secretariat about the consequences of failing to respect MINURSO’s mandate.

The Bolduc issue has allowed Morocco to demonstrate its unwavering firmness, earning respect from some and friendships from others, particularly Ms. Malcorra. Successfully resolving this matter in her office constitutes an excellent diplomatic investment by Morocco in her.

With highest consideration.

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