At the UN Human Rights Council, NGOs highlighted severe human rights abuses in Tindouf camps, Algeria, including violence and exploitation of vulnerable populations, particularly children. Testimonies detailed the dire humanitarian situation and called for international action and oversight to secure rights and ensure humanitarian access. Morocco affirmed its human rights commitment amid ongoing territorial sovereignty discussions.
During the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, various NGOs highlighted serious human rights violations occurring in the Tindouf camps in Algeria. The Sahrawi NGO Promotion of Economic and Social Development (PDES) raised awareness about the dire living conditions faced by thousands who have lived in these camps for nearly 50 years, suffering from a lack of basic rights.
Fatima Ezzahrae Zouhairi from PDES stated that the security situation in the camps has recently worsened, leading to an increase in violence and criminal acts. She emphasized that the lack of protective measures from Algeria has put residents at risk, stripping them of access to justice and safety.
Zouhairi also noted that the camps’ geographical isolation exacerbates human rights violations, with vulnerable groups, especially women and children, subjected to physical, psychological violence, and poor living standards. This isolation hinders international oversight, compounding the suffering of the residents.
Lemaadla Mohamed Salem Zrug from RADHEG shared alarming accounts of kidnappings, torture, and forced military recruitment of children in the camps. She condemned the impunity of Polisario officials, who remain protected by Algerian authorities, leading to a lack of accountability for these severe human rights infringements.
El Fadel Braika, a former Sahrawi detainee, described the inhumane conditions in the camps, including cases of forced disappearances and the exploitation of child soldiers. He criticized Algeria’s repressive actions against youth seeking to escape these dire situations.
Judit Segara Casasepare from CIRAC expressed particular concern regarding the recruitment of children, labeling the “Vacations in Peace” program as a façade for child trafficking, lacking guarantees for children’s safe return. The NGO called for a UN investigation into these violations.
Abdelwahab Gain of Africa Culture International echoed concerns about child indoctrination and exploitation under the guise of humanitarian initiatives, stressing that many of these children end up as trafficking victims separated from their families.
PDES urged the international community to work towards respecting the human rights of Tindouf camp inhabitants, advocating for humanitarian aid without obstruction and monitoring mechanisms to track rights violations. They emphasized the need for immediate measures to end these abuses and secure humanitarian access.
In a related note, Morocco presented its commitment to human rights at the session, with Ambassador Omar Zniber asserting the country’s dedication to democratic principles and its actions to ratify conventions against forced disappearances. He also claimed that Morocco is engaging constructively with the UN’s human rights system.
The NGOs’ testimonies reveal alarming human rights abuses in the Tindouf camps, including violence, abduction, and exploitation of children. The isolated environment exacerbates these violations, prompting calls for international intervention and accountability. Concurrently, Morocco highlighted its efforts to promote human rights while strengthening its sovereignty over the Sahara region, underlining the complex dynamics present in the discussions of human rights in the area.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
