Letter to Greta Thunberg concerning the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf
- Identification and Verification of Refugee Numbers:
- Long-Term Warehousing of Refugees:
- Suppression of Dissenting Voices
- Responsibility for the Camps
- Investigation into Allegations of Aid Embezzlement
I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits as you continue your admirable efforts in raising awareness about climate change and social justice. Your visit to the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf is a testament to your dedication to humanitarian causes, and I commend your commitment to shedding light on the plight of marginalized communities.
While you are there, I kindly ask you to consider raising critical questions about the situation in these camps, questions that remain unanswered despite their importance to understanding the broader humanitarian and political context:
Identification and Verification of Refugee Numbers:
Why do Algeria and the Polisario Front continue to refuse to allow a census or proper identification of the refugees in the camps, as required under international law? Reports suggest that the actual number of refugees may be significantly lower than the claimed 175,000, possibly closer to 90,000. Transparency in this matter is crucial for accountability and effective aid distribution.
Long-Term Warehousing of Refugees:
Why are these individuals effectively “warehoused” in conditions that appear to contravene the Geneva Convention? Refugees deserve opportunities for integration, resettlement, or voluntary repatriation, yet such options seem systematically denied.
Suppression of Dissenting Voices
According to reports from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, dissenting voices within the camps are not tolerated, with individuals facing retaliation for expressing their opinions. What measures are in place to ensure freedom of speech and basic human rights for those living in the camps?
Responsibility for the Camps
Given that the Polisario Front is not recognized as a state, why does Algeria not assume direct responsibility for the management of these camps, as it is required to do under international law? The absence of clear state accountability raises significant concerns about governance and oversight.
Investigation into Allegations of Aid Embezzlement
Lastly, has there been any progress in investigating the allegations made by OLAF (the European Anti-Fraud Office) regarding the misappropriation of humanitarian aid intended for the camps? Ensuring that aid reaches its intended recipients is a matter of utmost importance.
Your voice carries immense weight, and your engagement with these issues could bring much-needed attention to the plight of the individuals in these camps and the systemic challenges they face. I trust that you will approach these matters with the same integrity and commitment you have demonstrated in your global advocacy.
Thank you for considering these important questions. I wish you continued success in your Subject: Request for Clarification on the Sahrawi Refugee Camps
Sincerely,
Lahcen Haddad
Member of Parliament, Morocco and look forward to your reflections on this visit.