The Rif Demands Accountability from Spain over Chemical Gases
The case of the use of chemical weapons in the Rif and Jbala in the 1920s has been brought before several United Nations bodies. A coordination group from northern Morocco is calling for recognition of colonial violations, the opening of military and political archives, official apologies and reparation mechanisms.
The Coordination of the Rif and Jbala – Northern Morocco has submitted a complaint to the UN Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and several special rapporteurs, particularly those responsible for truth and justice, the right to health and the right to a clean and sustainable environment.
On Bladi.net : Moroccan Victims Seek Justice for 1975 Algerian Expulsion
The initiative is based on historical studies and research concerning the use of chemical weapons and substances during military operations conducted in the Rif and Jbala during the 1920s. The coordination believes that the human, health and environmental consequences of this period still need to be fully documented and established.
To this end, it is calling for military and political archives to be opened to historians, researchers and experts. It also wishes to see the creation of an independent international «truth, memory and equity» commission, bringing together specialists in international law, history, medicine and the environment to study and document the facts and their consequences.
Apologies, but also reparations
The complaint is not limited to historical recognition. Its authors are calling for the examination of reparation and compensation mechanisms, as well as the strengthening of healthcare services in the regions concerned, particularly for the treatment of serious illnesses. They are also demanding more scientific research into the possible health and environmental aftereffects of the war.
The coordination also wants sustainable development and environmental protection projects to be funded in the areas concerned. It proposes the creation of documentation and memorial centers and calls for this period of history to be more fully incorporated into educational programs.
On Bladi.net : Moroccans killed by the Algerian army: an investigation is demanded
In its initiative, it stresses that it is not seeking to revive historical conflicts or to implicate current generations. It presents its initiative as a demand for truth, recognition and justice for the victims and their families.
