Several non governmental organisations have called on the international community to strengthen the protection of human rights in the Tindouf refugee camps located in southern Algeria.
The appeal was made during the sixty first session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held in Geneva, where representatives highlighted the need for urgent action to improve the living conditions and fundamental rights of people living in the camps.
During the session, NGO representatives urged international institutions and UN human rights bodies to ensure greater oversight and access to the camps. They also called for a transparent census of the Sahrawi population living in the camps and stronger guarantees for basic freedoms including freedom of movement.
Human rights groups warned that the absence of regular monitoring mechanisms leaves many residents vulnerable, particularly women and children. They stressed that the protection of fundamental rights remains a legal and moral responsibility under the United Nations Charter and relevant international conventions.
Speakers at the council also highlighted the importance of ensuring unrestricted access for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights so that independent assessments of conditions in the camps can be carried out.
At the same meeting, some organisations welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 concerning the Western Sahara issue. Representatives described the resolution as an important step in efforts to find a political solution to the long standing dispute.
According to the organisations speaking at the council, the proposed autonomy initiative for Western Sahara has been presented as a possible approach that could guarantee political, economic and social rights for local populations while maintaining stability in the region.
The situation in the Tindouf camps has remained a topic of international debate for many years. Thousands of people have lived in the camps in difficult desert conditions where access to resources and services is limited and heavily dependent on humanitarian aid.
Human rights organisations say continued international attention is necessary to ensure that residents in the camps receive adequate protection and support while broader political efforts continue to address the Western Sahara conflict.
