Washington — On July 23, 2013, several American Figures met in New York City for the establishment of a U.S group in solidarity with the Saharawi people named "United States Citizens for Western Sahara" during a gala dinner attended by Mr. Mohammed Beissat, member of the National Secretariat of the Polisario front and its Representative in Washington and, members of the Sahrawi community in New York, according to a press release by USCWS

The meeting approved the USCW's work program and elected the executive office of the group.

The press release introduced the group as "an educational, support and advocacy group formed to encourage the U.S. Congress to help enforce the United Nations declaration for decolonization, and to implement the resolution that allows the people of Western Sahara their right to self-determination and independence".

The group's members are comprised of a diverse group of academics, journalists, former diplomats, human rights workers, artists, and students, many of whom have traveled to the Sahrawi refugee camps, the Free Territories of Western Sahara, and the Occupied Territories of Western Sahara.

Nominated to oversee the operations of the organization are: Kirby Gookin, Chair Charles Liebling, Deputy Chair and Robin Kahn, Deputy Chair.