What is it about?
Since it is currently not possible for the Sahrawi people to exercise self-determination in physical reality, the article explores how digital technologies could be utilised. Furthermore, the possibilities of the EU to aid these efforts are assessed.
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Why is it important?
Elements comprising the digital self-determination toolbox such as the creation of a digital twin of physical territory in the metaverse, digitalised archives and artefacts, and the establishment of a platform for online voter-participation may improve the capabilities of a non-self-governing people to exercise their right to self-determination in international law. Western Sahara is no exception in this regard. Since digital self-determination may be linked to the right of peoples to self-determination as an overarching human right, the European Union could condition the execution of the EU-Morocco Association Agreement on the respect by Morocco of (also) digital self-determination efforts of the Sahrawi people. This is because Article 2 of the Agreement states that the entire Agreement is based on the respect of human rights by both parties - the right to self-determination being such a protected right.
Perspectives
The article offers a particular twist to the ongoing debate about Western Sahara and the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination by adding the possibility of digital self-determination. It transposes novel ideas and concepts emerging in international law - that of a digital State existing in-parallel or exclusively in the metaverse - to the contemporary challenges faced by this non-self-governing territory. The discussion around digital self-determination pushes the boundaries of our understanding of established international law concepts. On the other hand, the focus on the role of the European Union simultaneously grounds the discussion to "physical" reality - the territory of Western Sahara.
Anže Mediževec
Court of Justice of the European Union
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Digital Self-Determination of the Sahrawi People and the Role of the European Union, December 2025, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004739215_011.
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