Peace flotilla in solidarity with Western Sahara
Press Release: Planned protest action at Lyttelton
Port - Monday 9th December 2019 at 0800
Subject:
Peace flotilla in solidarity with Western Sahara
Protest groups and human rights supporters are preparing to “unwelcome” bulk carrying cargo ship ‘Federal Crimson’ as it arrives in Lyttelton and then Dunedin. The ship has carried over 50,000 tonnes of ‘conflict phosphate’ from the non-self governing territory of Western Sahara. Christchurch group, ‘Ravensdown- Take ‘Em Down’ are organising a water flotilla, inspired by the Peace Squadrons - which were instrumental in the NZ Nuclear Free campaign.
The Rail, Maritime and
Transport Union will be boarding the ship on arrival,
issuing a letter of protest to the Captain of the ship. This
comes following the Council of Trade Unions' resolution
which was passed last month, condemning Morocco's illegal
occupation of Western Sahara and calling upon the New
Zealand government to halt importation of phosphates from
the area. Dunedin based ‘Environmental Justice Ōtepoti’
are planning a barbecue to celebrate how far the campaign
has come this year.
Morocco invaded Western Sahara in
1975 and have been exploiting the countries natural
resources ever since. 173,000 Saharawi live in a refugee
camp in Tindouf, Algeria. The government of Western Sahara,
the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, is recognised by 80
states, but not by New Zealand.
MINURSO; The United
Nations mission for a peaceful resolution for the people of
Western Sahara has so far failed to achieve the referendum
that the Saharawi people are waiting for. New Zealand
fertilizer companies Ravensdown and Ballance are being
criticized for purchasing from Moroccan controlled phosphate
exporter, OCP.
“Every shipment purchased gives more
reason for the occupying power to remain and delays a
peaceful outcome for the Saharawi people.” said Rose
Murphy of Environmental Justice Ōtepoti.
Mahmoud
Lemadel is a journalist and activist living in El Aiuin
within the occupied area. Mahmoud has thrown his support
behind the planned protests. “ My dream of living in peace
as a young man living in occupied territory is being stolen
by the international companies who are funding the illegal
plunder of my country. Among these dreams thieves are
companies from New Zealand - Ravensdown and Ballance. These
companies are supporting the presence of occupation in my
country" said Lemadel.
“Ravensdown are ignoring the
requests of the Saharawi people and their government to stop
purchasing from OCP. Ravensdown justify their ongoing
involvement by claiming the purchasing of blood phosphate
benefits local people. This ignores the reality in the
refugee camps and the violence and oppression experienced by
Saharawi’s living in the occupied area,” said Rose
Murphy. “Our groups have been in close contact with and
are working alongside the Saharawi people to ensure their
voices are heard.”
Earlier this year, 24 year old
English teacher Sabah Osman was killed by Moroccan police
while she celebrated Algeria’s victory in the football
tournament, Africa Cup of Nations.
“We intend to
remember Sabah Osman at our event this week,” said Rose
Murphy.
“It is shameful that Ravensdown continues to
silence and erase the suffering of the people of Western
Sahara. They (Ravensdown) are aware that this operation is a
violation of human rights. The people of Western Sahara have
a right to sovereignty. Ravensdown are complicit in allowing
the military occupation to continue,” Murphy said.
END