Seán Haughey
Question:258. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of relations between Ireland and Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46405/22]
View answerThursday, 22 September 2022
Questions (258)
Written answers
In line with the United Nations’ designation, Ireland recognises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory, which is defined under Chapter XI of the United Nations charter as a territory “whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government”. Western Sahara has been on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories since 1963.
Ireland’s long-standing position on Western Sahara is one of full support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), the UN-led process, and the UN Secretary General’s efforts to bring about a definitive and mutually acceptable political settlement.
Ireland wholeheartedly supports United Nations Security Council Resolution 2602 on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. We do not have a view on the outcome of a decision regarding the future of the territory, so long as it is decided peacefully and in a genuine exercise of self-determination.