The party People-Animals-Nature (PAN) recently introduced two resolutions in the Portuguese Parliament, addressing critical issues of human rights and self-determination within the framework of Portugal’s international relations and the organization of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
These resolutions, 485/XVI/1 and 484/XVI/1, underline PAN’s commitment to aligning Portuguese foreign policy with the values enshrined in the Constitution, international law, and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.
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Resolution 485/XVI/1 – Human Rights and Animal Welfare in the 2030 FIFA World Cup
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be a significant event, co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. PAN recommends that the Portuguese government take an active stance to ensure that the preparations for and execution of the event respect human rights and animal welfare, particularly in the Kingdom of Morocco.
This resolution highlights the recurring human rights abuses often associated with large sporting events, including forced labor, displacement of vulnerable populations, and exploitation of migrant workers. In Morocco, these concerns are exacerbated by its illegal occupation of Western Sahara, where systematic human rights violations against the Sahrawi people persist.
PAN stresses that Portugal, as a co-host, bears an ethical responsibility to ensure the event does not legitimize such practices and that it promotes animal welfare, which is often overlooked in major sporting events.
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Resolution 484/XVI/1 – The Right to Self-Determination of the Sahrawi People
In this resolution, PAN emphasizes the necessity for Portugal to reaffirm its commitment to the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and to condemn systematic human rights violations in the territories occupied by the Kingdom of Morocco.
The Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara, ongoing since 1975, is one of the longest-standing decolonization issues globally. Despite several United Nations resolutions – including Resolution 1514 (XV) and Resolution 690 (1991) – recognizing the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, Morocco has consistently blocked a referendum. Meanwhile, in the occupied territories, reports of violent repression, arbitrary detentions, and violations of freedom of expression against the Sahrawi people remain frequent.
PAN’s proposal seeks to ensure that Portugal unequivocally condemns these practices and actively promotes a just and peaceful solution to the Western Sahara conflict, in line with constitutional principles and international law.
Portugal’s Role and the Relevance of These Proposals
Portugal is bound by Article 7 of its Constitution to conduct its foreign policy in accordance with respect for human rights and the self-determination of peoples. These principles are especially pertinent in the case of Western Sahara, where Portugal must avoid complicity, direct or indirect, with Morocco’s occupation.
By recommending clear stances on these issues, PAN challenges Portugal to remain consistent with its international commitments, as a United Nations member and a defender of the rules-based international order.
The proposals also highlight that sports, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup, should not be used to whitewash regimes that violate human rights. Instead, Portugal should leverage its prominent position in this event to advocate for reforms and demonstrate that major sporting events can be organized while respecting human dignity and animal welfare.
With Resolutions 485/XVI/1 and 484/XVI/1, PAN reaffirms its commitment to an ethical foreign policy based on the values of the Constitution, the United Nations Charter, and international law.
These proposals underscore that:
1. Sports, including the 2030 World Cup, must not be detached from human rights issues and should promote universal values like justice and respect.
2. The fight for the Sahrawi people’s self-determination is an urgent cause that demands Portugal adopt a more active stance and explicitly condemn the violations committed by the Kingdom of Morocco.
By bringing these issues to public debate, PAN demonstrates that Portuguese foreign policy must prioritize the uncompromising defense of human rights, justice, and peace. This is the necessary path to build a coherent, ethical, and solidarity-driven international position.
