The NGO Promotion of Economic and Social Development (PDES) on Monday called in Geneva for concrete measures to strengthen the protection of human rights in the Tindouf camps, highlighting the need for unhindered access for UN mechanisms, transparent population registration, and effective guarantees of fundamental freedoms.
In a statement delivered by Aicha Duihi during the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, the NGO stressed that “early prevention of violations remains the cornerstone of safeguarding human dignity, particularly in contexts of protracted conflict situations.”
Speaking under agenda item 2 of the general debate, devoted to the promotion and protection of human rights, Duihi recalled that several United Nations reports have underscored the need to ensure transparent registration and census of populations in the camps, noting that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees sees this step as a fundamental prerequisite for the effective protection of rights and the equitable delivery of assistance.
PDES also highlighted observations by treaty bodies, including the Human Rights Committee, underscoring the need to guarantee freedom of movement and the right to an effective remedy within any territory under the jurisdiction of the host State.
Noting that the absence of regular access to independent monitoring mechanisms and weakened avenues for redress generate heightened vulnerability, particularly among women, children, and youth, the NGO called for regular and unhindered access for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Tindouf camps.
Duihi also urged strengthened technical cooperation with the host State to ensure independent complaint mechanisms, support rule of law-based peacebuilding programs, and consider deploying a technical mission to assess human rights needs on the ground.
The NGO affirmed that the protection of fundamental rights within the camps is a legal and moral obligation under the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant international instruments, emphasizing that accountability, enhanced transparency, and the consolidation of the rule of law remain the only viable path to preventing further vulnerability in a sensitive regional context.
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