At the UN Human Rights Council’s 58th session, various NGOs highlighted severe human rights abuses in the Tindouf camps in Algeria, including violence, exploitation, and a lack of protection. Activists addressed the plight of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, and called for international intervention and accountability measures. Morocco also reaffirmed its dedication to human rights in the region during these discussions.
During the recent 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, multiple non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and witnesses drew attention to egregious human rights violations occurring in the Tindouf camps, located in southwestern Algeria. The Sahrawi NGO Promotion of Economic and Social Development (PDES) highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions endured by thousands for nearly fifty years, urging international attention to their plight.
Fatima Ezzahrae Zouhairi, an activist with PDES, expressed grave concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation, which has led to increased violence and criminal acts within the camps. She emphasized that the lack of security and judicial mechanisms afforded by the host nation, Algeria, places residents at heightened risk of violence, further denying them the protection and access to justice they require.
Zouhairi also remarked that the geographical isolation of the camps limits international oversight, worsening human rights violations, particularly against vulnerable groups such as women and children. They are subjected to various forms of physical and psychological abuse, alongside substandard living conditions.
Lemaadla Mohamed Salem Zrug, representing the African Network for Development, Governance, and Human Rights (RADHEG), provided alarming testimony on the conditions within the camps, citing allegations of kidnappings, torture, extrajudicial killings, and the forced military recruitment of children. She criticized the prevailing impunity enjoyed by Polisario officials, who are reportedly shielded by Algerian authorities.
El Fadel Braika, associated with the NGO Il Cenacollo and a former Sahrawi detainee, condemned the inhumane living situations within the camps, which include forced disappearances and torture. He highlighted Algeria’s oppressive actions, particularly targeting youths attempting to escape the camps.
Judit Segara Casasepare from the NGO CIRAC raised concerns about the indoctrination and potential exploitation of children involved in programs like “Vacations in Peace,” which she accused of facilitating child trafficking under the guise of humanitarian initiatives. Her organization has urged the UN to investigate and hold Algeria accountable.
Similarly, Abdelwahab Gain from Africa Culture International criticized the harmful indoctrination practices affecting children, asserting that these programs mask acts of child trafficking and separation from families. Both NGOs called for immediate action to safeguard human rights in the Tindouf camps.
The PDES urged the international community to enhance measures for upholding the rights of camp residents, emphasizing the need for unrestricted humanitarian aid, freedom of movement, and mechanisms to monitor and address human rights violations. They called for a fact-finding mission from the High Commissioner for Human Rights to assess the situation comprehensively.
In parallel discussions, Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to human rights, with Ambassador Omar Zniber asserting the country’s focus on strengthening its legal frameworks promoting human rights. He underscored Morocco’s proactive regional efforts, including organizing symposiums on forced disappearances and amending criminal statutes accordingly.
The session also saw expressions of support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, with endorsements from approximately forty nations, wherein Yemen’s Ambassador Ali Mohamed Saeed Majawar remarked on Morocco’s constructive engagement with the UN human rights system. The establishment of consulates in Dakhla and Laayoune was commended as a significant step towards enhancing local economic cooperation and development.
The 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council served as a critical platform for raising awareness about the severe human rights violations in the Tindouf camps, with NGOs and activists calling for urgent international intervention. The testimonies presented outlined rampant abuses, including violence, exploitation of children, and a call for accountability from Algerian authorities. The continued commitment of Morocco to promote human rights was noted amidst these discussions, further emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian solutions for the inhabitants of the camps.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
