Morocco & Western Sahara Conflict - Article Example

Introduction Morocco is Moderate Arab regime, which has a profound role in countering terrorism. There is a monarchy with King Mohammad V1 with the supreme powers but it there are few steps taken towards liberalization and building democracy in order to match globalization and its changing trends, which have occurred in different parts of the world. However, the king is the presiding authority who endorses all the legislation, thrones and can dissolve parliament. Moreover, the reforms also need the approval of the king and have authority over the economic enterprises of the country. Though, there are a number of social and economic issues of Morocco, few relating to terrorism, security issues, corruption, restriction on freedom of speech, child trafficking and child labor, but one of the biggest issues, which has had international recognition and has had an impact on globalization is the Western Sahara Conflict and its impact on human rights conditions in Morocco. This issue is considered as one of the most neglected issue of all times which has contributed to instability in North African regions and beyond. Western Sahara Conflict& its effect on Human Rights conditions This dispute is between Morocco and Rio de Oro (Polisario) over a Spanish colony, which is on the south of Morocco. Both countries are fighting over the sovereignty of that territory. The conflict among the people increased after Spain withdrew its forces from Western Sahara in 1971, and from the year 1975-1991 the region was subjected to subsequent war. There were few initiatives taken to establish peace from the period of 1990s and 2000s but the conflicts continued and till to this day the conflict is present among people of Polisario which is backed by Algeria, Cuba and Libya and SADR state (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic) who wish make Western Sahara independent. With the increase of violence and repression in Western Sahara prominent human rights activists have come forward as they are deprived of their basic rights and there are many evidences of human right abuses relating to slavery, frequent arrests and imprisonments and restriction of movement. Impact of Globalization & Human Rights Violations Due to these reasons the Western Sahara Conflict is subject to critical examination and is of global importance. It is causing a series of turmoil in North Africa where the increase in human rights violations poses a threat to the region as well as to the international borders. It has also been reported that the Polisario run camps are acting as a fuel ground for terrorist activities and conditions are close to inhuman. Moreover, conditions at Tindouf are also deteriorating and many people believe that there are links with Al-Qaeda, which can threaten peacekeeping forces of the region (Migdalovitz). Calling for Maghreb Union The Western Sahara Conflict has caused disarray to the trade agreement, which was modeled by Arab Maghreb region. Other global entities and Tunisian government are not being able to provide their standing but want to take initiatives to act a mediator. They are urging the Morocco government to take steps to establish Maghreb unity. They are also urged to respect the rights of Saharawi people. The impact of the conflicts is not only in the Maghreb region but the entire international community suffers as well. Hence, through globalizations the issue has gotten international attention and pressures are mounting on Morocco to resolve these issues and impose strict orders to maintain harmony in the region. Key International Actors Morocco has maintained itself as a close ally of United States. Despite its cooperation in fighting against terrorist activities the US officials are not taking initiatives in solving the human rights problems of Morocco, which have occurred due to Western Sahara Conflict. United States have eased restrictions on Morocco on arms sale and have increased bilateral alliance but have side lined the main issues of Morocco. In the same way Morocco has maintained its relation with European Union and is the beneficiary of MEDA funds, which is the aid program of EU, but they do not comment on human rights violations in Morocco. France is also one of the key leading trade partners of Morocco but they have also not participated or commented on human rights conditions in Morocco (Human Rights Watch). Cultural homogeneity Moroccans are proud of their cultural heritage, in addition of Moroccans in the country, there are other large number other populations French, Israeli’s, Italians and Spanish. Due to the other nationalities, they constitute cultural diversity in the region. Even though, the Western Sahara Conflict has caused problems with Algeria but most of the cultural influences are derived from Algeria, Tunisia and Spain. However, it is seen that the impact of cultural homogeneity on Western Sahara Conflict and human rights violation in Morocco are intense as cultural globalization is lost because of imbalances in the cultural systems brought by violations and conflicts which disrupted the cultural setup, making it dysfunctional. Changing Work Conditions The global bodies through media coverage and public education campaigns have played a vital role in raising awareness among the general public and the authorities regarding the hazards of human rights violations. The impact of safer and better working conditions in the neighboring countries and changing trends brought by the global economies have somewhat controlled the protests and controversies which are due to Western Sahara Conflict but in order to eradicate these issues completely the it is necessary that UN take steps to solve the Western Sahara Conflict. In order to curb these issues and reduce the increasing number of abuses of domestic workers and child labor in Morocco, the Human Rights Watch have conducted various studies and played a positive role due to which Morocco has taken steps to enforce strict laws prohibiting young children to work, identify underage workers and apply penalties to employers who violate these laws. Hence, it has seen that number of child labors has reduced. Rise of foreign goods The rise of foreign goods in Morocco has increased due to free trade agreement between the United States, free exchange with Turkey, Euro-Mediterranean free trade agreement with the EU and the Agadir Agreement signed with Egypt, Jordan and Tunisia. This global trend which projects an increase in economic partnership has had a profound impact on the human rights conditions as most of countries like United States support the ceasefire and peaceful settlements in Western Sahara Conflict. Furthermore, the increase of free trade has liberalized the Morocco’s economy and strengthened the economic reforms in order to have good relations with other countries. Most of these countries promoting globalization have established closer ties with Morocco when it is perceived as a democratic state and not as a Monarch set-up, reducing the negative elements of monarchy rule. Impact of Foreign films Due to the increasing trend of globalization, rise of foreign films are seen in Morocco and these films are seen compared with the local films of Morocco as they are unable to meet the international standard due to restriction in speech. The Moroccan films are not available internationally. However, there is high import of foreign films and the visual culture portrayed by media and foreign films have caused changes in individuals and they want to emulate these imported lifestyles in their culture and behaviors. Hence, the impact of such films on the general population of Morocco is high people are now coming out of feudal mind sets which violate human rights. Relationships with International bodies Algeria Even though Morocco has a long-standing rivalry with Algeria but due to globalization, they have cooperated with each other to work against terrorism and illegal immigration. These activities show their tendency to address their issues have somewhat controlled the violent activities in the region (Migdalovitz). Europe Morocco signed an agreement with the European Union in 2000 to provided free trade and the EU markets opened their doors to promote Moroccan Products. These activities provide an understanding of globalization, which establishes good working relationships in order to have a better understanding on various issues in the global economy (Migdalovitz). Middle East Morocco as a global entity is supporting peace in the Middle East and encourages Israel-Palestine negotiations. In the same way, other countries like Saudi Arabia and Persian Gulf states have close ties with Morocco and provide them financial assistance as well. Morocco also provided a vital role in condemning the Iraq’s invasion in Kuwait. Hence, it has contributed in the global world through peacekeeping efforts and other countries hope these positive activities may help Morocco address their own issues of human rights violations through global recognition. United States In 2004, United States President designated Morocco as major non-Nato ally. United States supports Morocco regarding Western Sahara Issue due to geo political conditions but they also believe that people of Saharawi should have freedom of speech and movement. Due to influence of United States, Morocco has been able to control violations in the country, which are due to Western Sahara conflict. However, most of countries have maintained silence regarding the issue of Morocco and it remains a conflict even today (Zoubir). Critical Examination of Globalization Even though most of countries exhibit global identities but some countries have cultural setups which are conservative and they may not promote international values. For instance, in Morocco, being a Monarch State exhibits restriction on movement and speech. The authoritarian and Communist governments do not promote such factors of globalization as well. However, there are changing trends and communication and interaction among countries are growing due to which the social, economic and political conditions of countries are scrutinized. The issues of countries can be addressed through globalization, which provides aid and assistance in development especially during financial crises or in a conflicting situation like Western Sahara Conflict. Most of the human rights violations, which were occurring in Morocco due to the conflict, are now reduced due to the pressure of international communities. The networks of local and international bodies constitute globalization and provide a platform through which global issues can be addressed and peacekeeping forces can be promoted through dialogue. Works Cited Human Rights Watch. “World Report.” 2013. Web. 27 January 2014 . Migdalovitz, Carol. “Morocco: Current Affairs.” 3 February 2010. Web. 27 January 2014 . Zoubir, Yahia H. “Concerned Africa Scholars.” June 2010. Web. 27 January 2014 . Read More