Several NGOs urged the international community to pressure Algeria regarding human rights violations in Tindouf camps on Thursday at the UN Human Rights Council’s 57th session in Geneva, chaired by Morocco.
Organizations including RADHEG and CIRAC condemned the situation, calling for Algeria to meet its international obligations as host.
The NGOs highlighted “worrying” humanitarian conditions in the camps and the “systematic” diversion of aid by Polisario leaders.
They emphasized the Algerian army’s complicity in blocking exits from the camps, leaving the population trapped and suffering.
Testimonies shared during the debate detailed repressive campaigns against young people who expose these abuses on social media.
Reports described instances of kidnapping, arbitrary disappearance, torture, and severe shortages of essential food and supplies in the camps.
The NGOs stressed that some young individuals, desperate for survival, have been forced to join armed groups in the Sahel.
They demanded an end to the abuses and urged investigations into the forced disappearances and other rights violations in Tindouf.
The debate was part of the ongoing Human Rights Council session, running until October 11 under Moroccan President Omar Zniber.