Tindouf Camps: Two NGOs Appeal to HRC over Situations Requiring Specific Protection

Two NGOs on Thursday raised concerns in Geneva over the human rights situation in the Tindouf camps, stressing the need to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations and its relevant mechanisms and to ensure effective follow-up of situations requiring special protection among the camp population.

Speaking on behalf of the NGO Promotion of Economic and Social Development (PDES) during the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, Aicha Duihi said cooperation with the United Nations and its human rights mechanisms is an essential instrument for ensuring the effective protection of human rights.

The speaker, who was floor-taking under agenda item 5 of the general debate, called for strengthening the access of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and competent mechanisms to the Tindouf camps in an independent, regular, and safe manner.

“Referring to the data used by UNHCR for humanitarian planning purposes, Duihi pointed out that it does not constitute a comprehensive and updated demographic census and called for the establishment of a transparent registration and data-updating process.

She further stressed the need to protect persons cooperating with United Nations mechanisms against any intimidation or reprisals, underlining that the humanitarian response must be linked to the protection of human rights and the pursuit of durable solutions.

In a separate intervention, Mustapha Maalainin, speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy (CHRAPA), called on the relevant mechanisms of the Human Rights Council to ensure effective follow-up of individual cases brought to their attention, particularly when the health, dignity and fundamental rights of the persons concerned are at stake.

He specifically referred to the case of Lalla Haidas, a resident of the Tindouf camps, whose situation, according to CHRAPA, has been brought to the attention of relevant UN mechanisms.

Reporting that she is suffering from a serious medical condition requiring specialized care, CHRAPA called for prompt access to appropriate medical treatment and, if necessary, for arrangements to facilitate her medical evacuation.

He also encouraged Algeria, as the host country, to facilitate access to the specialized medical care required, in accordance with applicable international human rights obligations.

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