CDH: Call for Concrete Measures to Strengthen Human Rights Protection in the Tindouf Camps
The NGO “Promotion du Développement Économique et Social” (PDES) called on Monday in Geneva for concrete measures to strengthen the protection of human rights in the Tindouf camps, highlighting the need for unhindered access for United Nations mechanisms, a transparent census of the populations, and effective guarantees of fundamental freedoms.
In a statement delivered by Ms. Aicha Duihi during the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, the NGO stressed that “early prevention of violations remains the cornerstone of human dignity, particularly in contexts of prolonged conflict.”
Speaking under item 2 of the general debate devoted to the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Duihi recalled that several United Nations reports have emphasized the importance of ensuring transparent registration and census of populations in the camps, noting that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees considers this step an essential prerequisite for the effective protection of rights and the fair distribution of assistance.
The PDES NGO also highlighted observations by treaty bodies, notably the Human Rights Committee, stressing the need to guarantee freedom of movement and the right to an effective remedy throughout any territory under the jurisdiction of the host State.
Pointing out that the lack of regular access to independent monitoring mechanisms and the weakness of complaint channels increase the vulnerability of populations, particularly women, children and youth, the NGO called for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to be granted regular and unhindered access to the Tindouf camps.
Ms. Duihi also called for strengthened technical cooperation with the host State to ensure independent complaint reception mechanisms, support for peacebuilding programs based on the rule of law, and consideration of the deployment of a technical mission to assess human rights needs on the ground.
Finally, the NGO affirmed that the protection of fundamental rights in the camps constitutes a legal and moral obligation under the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant international instruments, emphasizing that accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law remain essential to prevent any worsening of vulnerability in a sensitive regional context.
Editorial team/le7tv
