Civil society in North Africa mobilises against human trafficking

On the sidelines of the informal interactive multi-stakeholder meeting organised in preparation for the high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly on the evaluation of the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, in New York, Mr. Moulay Lahsen Naji, President of the Independent Commission on Human Rights in North Africa (CIDH Africa), stepped up his advocacy efforts through specific networking and awareness-raising activities. 

In particular, he held a constructive dialogue with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children. On this occasion, he strongly denounced the serious violations committed by non-State armed groups operating in North Africa, which are engaged in human trafficking, the recruitment of child soldiers and the systematic exploitation of vulnerable populations. 

Mr. Naji drew particular attention to the situation in the Tindouf camps in Algerian territory, highlighting Algeria's serious violations of its international obligations to protect the rights of refugees and children. He denounced the Algerian State's lack of effective control over these areas, which allows criminal networks and armed groups responsible for trafficking, forced recruitment and exploitation to proliferate. 

In support of his allegations, Mr. Naji provided the Special Rapporteur with several detailed reports on human trafficking in North Africa, including in refugee camps. These documents highlight the scale of the phenomenon and the need for a coordinated and adequate international response. 

Reaffirming the commitment of North African civil society, and in particular Moroccan organisations, to the defence of human rights and the fight against all forms of exploitation, Mr. Naji called on the United Nations and Member States to take concrete action to dismantle criminal networks, protect victims and demand clear accountability, especially from host States such as Algeria.