Human rights violations in Tindouf camps raise alarm at UN Council

During the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and witnesses highlighted grave human rights violations occurring in the Tindouf camps, located in southwestern Algeria. These concerns were particularly voiced by the Sahrawi NGO Promotion of Economic and Social Development (PDES), which drew attention to the dire humanitarian situation faced by thousands living in the camps for nearly fifty years, stripped of their basic rights.

Activist Fatima Ezzahrae Zouhairi of PDES reported a marked deterioration in security conditions, with rising criminal activities exacerbating the plight of the inhabitants. She emphasized that the lack of security and judicial mechanisms from the host country, Algeria, leaves individuals vulnerable and devoid of access to protection or justice.

Zouhairi pointed out that the camps' geographic isolation, coupled with insufficient international oversight, further compounds the situation. Vulnerable populations, especially women and children, are at heightened risk of physical and psychological abuse, living under inhumane conditions.

Lemaadla Mohamed Salem Zrug, representing the African Network for Development, Governance, and Human Rights (RADHEG), recounted harrowing experiences of Sahrawi refugees, detailing instances of kidnappings, torture, and the forced military recruitment of children. She criticized the impunity enjoyed by Polisario officials, who are shielded by Algerian authorities.

El Fadel Braika, a former Sahrawi detainee and representative of the NGO Il Cenacollo, condemned the brutal conditions in the camps, which include forced disappearances and the exploitation of child soldiers. He also highlighted Algeria's repressive measures against those attempting to escape the camps.

Concerns were echoed by Judit Segara Casasepare from the NGO CIRAC, who denounced the recruitment of children in Tindouf, labeling the “Vacations in Peace” program as a façade for child trafficking, sending minors abroad without guarantees of safe return. The NGO has urged the UN to investigate these claims and hold Algeria accountable.

Abdelwahab Gain from Africa Culture International similarly condemned the indoctrination and exploitation of children through the aforementioned program, asserting that many are victims of trafficking, separated from their families.

PDES has called upon the international community to enhance efforts to uphold human rights in Tindouf. Zouhairi emphasized the necessity for humanitarian aid that is free from logistical barriers imposed by Algeria and the Polisario Front, as well as the establishment of transparent monitoring systems to address violations and end impunity.

The organization has also requested that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights dispatch a fact-finding mission to closely monitor conditions in the camps and provide comprehensive reports aimed at protecting the rights of those affected, in line with the Geneva Convention on Refugees.

On the regional front, Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to human rights during the session. Ambassador Omar Zniber stated that Morocco is dedicated to building a democratic state grounded in the rule of law and is actively enhancing its legal framework to promote human rights.

He also noted Morocco's recent national commitments to organize a regional symposium encouraging the ratification of the Convention against Forced Disappearances, as well as incorporating forced disappearance as a standalone crime in its criminal legislation.

Additionally, around forty countries reiterated support for Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara, with Yemen’s Ambassador Ali Mohamed Saeed Majawar commending Morocco’s constructive engagement with the UN human rights system. This coalition endorsed the opening of consulates in Dakhla and Laayoune, viewing these as pivotal for fostering economic cooperation and development for local and regional communities.