Scathing report denounces situation of women and children in Tindouf camps

Spanish NGO “The Altamirano Foundation” has sounded the alarm over the serious violations of the rights of women and children in the camps of Tindouf, southwestern Algeria, in a report submitted to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights during the 60th session of the Human Rights Council.

In a scathing report, based on field investigations, testimonies, and medical analyses, the Foundation paints a grim picture: widespread malnutrition, lack of healthcare, exploitation, forced military conscription of minors, and sexual violence.

On health matters, the document reveals that more than half of young children (ages 6 to 59 months) suffer from anemia or acute malnutrition, with critical levels of stunted growth.

Volunteer doctors in Spain have reported severe cases of undernourishment and untreated illnesses due to the lack of medical infrastructure in the camps.

Despite humanitarian aid, the report denounces massive embezzlement of assistance and a lack of transparency in fund management, further worsening food insecurity and lack of medical care.

The document also sheds light on the military indoctrination of children, who are subjected to paramilitary training in violation of international conventions. According to the same source, girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation, with no protection whatsoever.

The Foundation denounces the so-called “Holidays in Peace” program, which is supposed to provide Sahrawi children with a respite in Europe but which is being manipulated for political and ideological purposes.

Testimonies report cases of manipulation, severe cultural shocks, and even abduction or deprivation of religious identity.

Host families in Spain have also denounced the opacity of the program and the pressures placed on them to remain silent, citing cases of children being held against their will or politically exploited upon their return to the camps.

The report also calls out the systematic crackdown on any dissenting voices. Cases such as the disappearance of Ahmed Khalil (a former human rights official) and the arbitrary arrests of activists like Fadel Breika and Salem Maalainine illustrate a climate of fear and impunity.

The document also highlights the persistence of tribal and slavery-like practices, particularly targeting communities of servile origin.

In light of this situation, the Foundation calls for an independent international investigation and for strict mechanisms to monitor humanitarian aid.

It urges the international community to act urgently to ensure the protection of the rights of children and women in these camps.