Rights advocate repeats allegations against Polisario leader at Geneva conference on violence against women

Human rights advocates, legal experts, academics and diplomats gathered at the Swiss Press Club in Geneva on June 17 to discuss violence against women and the mechanisms available to protect victims, with rights activist Jadyetu Mahmoud delivering a personal testimony during the event.

The conference focused on challenges facing survivors of gender-based violence, particularly in environments where access to justice is limited, accountability mechanisms are weak and perpetrators enjoy impunity.

Mahmoud, president of the International Human Rights Network (RIDH), spoke about what she described as her own experience as a survivor of sexual violence. During her remarks, she reiterated allegations she has previously made against Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, and called for independent and impartial investigations into all allegations of sexual violence.

“The fight against violence against women is not only about my personal story. It concerns all victims who have never had the opportunity to make their voices heard,” Mahmoud said, stressing the importance of ensuring survivors have access to justice, reparations and dignity.

Her lawyer, Manuel Navarro, director of RIDH, said sexual violence remains one of the most serious violations of human rights and emphasized the responsibility of national and international institutions to guarantee effective access to justice, protection and redress for victims.

The event also featured remarks from Ramón Muñoz Castro, an adviser to Colombia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. He highlighted the role of international institutions in preventing violence and supporting victims, noting that cooperation among governments, international organizations and civil society remains essential to strengthening women’s rights protections worldwide.

Yves Raidelet, a human rights expert and academic, focused on the universal principles underpinning protections against violence, including human dignity, equality, security, non-discrimination and the right to live free from violence. He underscored the importance of education, awareness-raising and preserving historical memory as tools for preventing future abuses.

Speakers at the conference agreed that combating violence against women requires sustained efforts from states, international organizations and civil society. They called for stronger prevention measures, enhanced support services for survivors and greater efforts to combat impunity.

The conference concluded with a call for increased international mobilization in support of women affected by violence and stronger backing for human rights defenders working on these issues. Participants said preserving the memory of victims is essential not to perpetuate suffering but to advance truth, justice and guarantees of non-repetition.

Organizers said the event reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the dignity, protection and fundamental rights of women while encouraging the international community to continue efforts to address violence and impunity wherever they occur.