MINURSO Fact Sheet

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established in 1991 to support the settlement proposals and ceasefire reached by Morocco and Frente Polisario. Today, it contributes to peace and stability in Western Sahara by monitoring, investigating and reporting on the ongoing situation, and working with the parties to reduce tensions as they arise.

Throughout its existence, MINURSO has contributed in a significant way to reducing tensions between the parties and to the de-escalation of conflict activities. Despite the breakdown of the ceasefire in 2020, MINURSO’s deployment has continued to be welcomed by both parties and it has contributed to the low-intensity hostilities in the Territory, not ceasing its efforts to call for a cessation of hostilities.