Pedro Ignacio Altamirano, President of the “Altamirano Foundation” and interim general Coordinator of the “International Group of Civil Diplomacy,” has issued a stern denunciation against the “ongoing disrespect” by members of the armed Polisario Front and the self-proclaimed SADR towards the United Nations, and human rights violation in Tindouf camps, Spanish media “Mares30” reported.
Altamirano highlighted that the Polisario representatives have consistently disregarded UN resolutions, such as the requirement to conduct a census of the refugee camps in Algeria and to provide transparent accounting of international aid, and engaged in intolerable behavior during various human rights sessions in Geneva.
The activist pointed out that the United Nations, particularly its headquarters, should embody neutrality, peace, respect, and tolerance.
However, he observed that the separatist representatives from Polisario have repeatedly violated these principles by harassing and confronting those who do not align with their extremist views.
The disruptions caused include debates, where Polisario attempt, often unsuccessfully, to derail discussions, especially those focused on their ongoing human rights violations in the Tindouf camps in Algeria.
Altamirano expressed deep concern over the fact that these individuals, known for their aggressive conduct, not only lack the basic decency and respect expected in such international forums but also reveal the underlying totalitarian and intolerant nature that the Polisario Front instills in all its actions.
He noted that while the Polisario tries to portray itself as a victim, it is, in reality, the oppressor, inflicting harm on innocent children and violating their fundamental rights.
The activist added that this behavior only strengthens the resolve of peace activists and human rights defenders to continue their work.
Altamirano reaffirmed his commitment to exposing the exploitation of children in the Tindouf camps, where minors are recruited as child soldiers and are subjected to inhumane conditions.
He emphasized that these violations not only infringe on the rights of these children but also contribute to a cycle of violence that perpetuates conflict rather than peace. In addition, the upcoming Human Rights sessions in Geneva and New York will see intensified efforts to achieve social justice and freedom for these children, he added.
“If we want a future of peace, we must educate children in peace. Allowing them to be raised in war will only ensure a future filled with more conflict,” he concluded.
Similar concerns were raised in Februray by Spanish NGOs, including “La Libertad es su derecho” and the “Pedro Ignacio Altamirano” Foundation, which have also raised alarms over the serious violations of international law and human rights committed by the Polisario Front in the Tindouf camps.
Their concerns specifically highlighted the recruitment of children for military purposes and their exploitation for political gain as flagrant violations of fundamental human rights.
The NGOs called for an urgent and thorough investigation into these practices and stressed the moral responsibility of nations to address the brutal exploitation of children in conflicts around the world.
The Moroccan think tank based in Dakhla, “International Research Center on Child Soldier Prevention” recently condemned the recruitment of child soldiers in the Tindouf camps following a military parade involving hundreds of children.
The think tank placed legal and moral responsibility on Algeria for allowing such violations in its territories. This issue has garnered international attention, as evidenced by testimonies like that of M’rabih Ahmed Mahmoud, a rare case of a Sahrawi who escaped the Polisario’s control.
Since his escape, Mahmoud has shared harrowing accounts of systematic human rights abuses, including the use of starvation as a punishment for children who refuse to participate in military activities.
The ongoing revelations about the conditions in the Tindouf camps and the behavior of the Polisario representatives at the UN underscore the urgent need for international scrutiny and action to protect the rights of those living under these oppressive conditions.