Laura De las Nieves Gomez Perez, representative of the Unity for Mauritanian Development network, highlighted the situation of refugees in Africa during the 14th meeting of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. She specifically pointed to the conditions in the Tindouf camps in southern Algeria, as well as in conflict zones such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Sahel region.
The representative of the organization emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to address the refugee crisis in Africa, especially given the deteriorating conditions faced by this vulnerable group.
She noted that refugees in these areas endure harsh conditions and significant difficulties in accessing their fundamental social, economic, and cultural rights. Their suffering is exacerbated by instability and violence, necessitating urgent international intervention.
The Unity for Mauritanian Development network put forward several key recommendations, including conducting a comprehensive census of refugees in the Tindouf camps under the supervision of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to ensure the collection of accurate data that would help improve and tailor humanitarian aid programs. Additionally, the network called for guaranteeing the right of return for all African refugees, including those in the Tindouf camps, ensuring their voluntary and safe return to their home countries with full respect for their rights.
Among its other recommendations, the network urged the implementation of effective measures to halt human rights violations committed by non-governmental armed groups, particularly in the Tindouf camps.
Furthermore, the Unity for Mauritanian Development network called for the deployment of a technical mission from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Sahrawi refugee camps to assess conditions on the ground and prepare a detailed report on the humanitarian situation and potential human rights violations in the area.
