UNESCO removes Laayoune from its Global Network of Learning Cities list

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has removed the city of Laayoune from its Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), Spanish news agency EFE reported.

The decision took place days after the UN agency included the cities of Laayoune, Benguerir and Chefchaouen in its international policy-oriented network that provides inspiration, know-how and best practice.

The U-turn was announced in a press release by UNESCO only one day after the Polisario Front denounced the decision and urged the agency to correct it. «Laayoune does not fully meet the required criteria» UNESCO argued.

On Thursday, the separatist movement described the UNIESCO’s decision as a «provocative step» and urged the UN agency to «take the necessary measures and correct the unjustified mistake to preserve its credibility and impartiality».