The Moroccan League for the Defense of Human Rights has issued a statement calling for an end to the "human rights exception" in the Tindouf camps, where thousands of people have been detained for over half a century. The league's central bureau made the appeal in response to recent diplomatic developments in the Western Sahara conflict. The statement emphasized the need to address the humanitarian and human rights consequences of the conflict.
The Moroccan League for the Defense of Human Rights highlighted the dire situation faced by detainees in the Tindouf camps, located on Algerian territory. The league's statement noted that the recent positive political developments place the international community under a moral and legal responsibility to act. It urged the international community to move beyond addressing the political repercussions of the conflict and focus on its humanitarian and human rights impacts.
The league's statement also raised concerns about the lack of a comprehensive and transparent census of the Tindouf camp population. It argued that this omission is a legal obligation to the international community that cannot be ignored. The league called for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to be allowed to carry out its mandate to register and identify individuals in the camps.
The Moroccan League for the Defense of Human Rights attributed full legal responsibility to the Algerian state for the exceptional situation in Tindouf. The league's statement noted that Algeria's delegation of its actual powers within the camps to an armed organization is in contradiction with the rule of law and human rights. The league expressed concern about documented reports of child exploitation and military training in the camps.
The league's statement also denounced restrictions on the freedom of movement of detainees, who are prevented from leaving the camps or choosing their place of residence. It emphasized that voluntary return must be a free, informed, and internationally guaranteed choice. The league called for enhanced UN monitoring of humanitarian aid to Tindouf and an investigation into allegations of aid diversion.
The Moroccan League for the Defense of Human Rights demanded a durable solution to ensure the safe and dignified return of those who wish to return home. The league's statement supported a peaceful political settlement within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty as a means of ending the prolonged humanitarian suffering.
The league's appeal is based on concerns about the humanitarian situation in the Tindouf camps and the need for a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict.
Key points
- The Moroccan League for the Defense of Human Rights calls for an end to the "human rights exception" in the Tindouf camps.
- The league demands a comprehensive and transparent census of the Tindouf camp population.
- The league attributes full legal responsibility to the Algerian state for the situation in Tindouf.
