Assahafa.com
For the first time in 75 years, the 2025 annual budget of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was adopted through a vote, following Morocco’s request during the 75th session of the organization’s Executive Committee, which concluded on Friday in Geneva.
Morocco has consistently urged the UNHCR to address what it sees as failures in fulfilling its mandate, particularly regarding the situation in the Tindouf camps.
One of Morocco’s primary criticisms of the UNHCR is its inaction regarding the registration of populations in the Tindouf camps, which Morocco views as a crucial responsibility of the agency. The country also accused the UNHCR of providing contradictory and inflated figures about the camp’s residents, claiming these estimates do not meet international registration standards.
Despite the efforts of various UN bodies, including the UNHCR, to address the numerous challenges faced by the Sahrawis, many continue to suffer severe human rights violations. These include malnutrition which leads to diseases like anemia among children, pregnant women, and others. The situation is further complicated by Algeria’s refusal to allow a census to accurately assess the number of refugees in the camps, which is currently estimated at around 90,000.
While reaffirming its support for the UNHCR’s humanitarian mission, Morocco’s permanent mission called for the vote to highlight what it perceives as the agency’s departure from its core mission of protecting those held in the Tindouf camps.
Morocco voiced strong concerns over the UNHCR’s inaction regarding the worsening situation in the Tindouf camps, where populations are controlled by armed militias and denied basic rights, such as freedom of movement.
A major point of contention for Morocco is the UNHCR’s failure to address Algeria’s transfer of sovereignty and legal responsibility over the camps to these militias, which jeopardizes the rights and safety of those living there.
The recruitment of children by Polisario Front militias, a long-standing issue, was another major concern that Morocco accused the UNHCR of ignoring. Additionally, Morocco condemned the UN agency for not addressing reports of arbitrary detentions, forced family separations, and insecurity in the camps, all of which contribute to the ongoing vulnerability of the populations.
In response to these issues, Morocco called for immediate international action to address the violations in the Tindouf camps and ensure the protection of their residents. By initiating a vote, Morocco urged the UNHCR to fully assume responsibility and implement necessary corrective measures.
Meanwhile, the country also noted its global recognition for its exemplary refugee protection policies, asserting that it employs legitimate methods to ensure its voice is heard and its legally justified demands are acknowledged when fundamental principles are at stake.
The situation in the Algeria-controlled, Polisario-run Tindouf camps remains a pressing concern. In his latest report on Western Sahara, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the camps’ deteriorating humanitarian conditions. Human rights NGOs have also intensified calls for greater international pressure on Algeria to safeguard the rights of Sahrawis held in these camps.
Source: Morocco word news
