Int. Democratic Centre

International ngo demands commission of enquiry into misappropriation of humanitarian aid destined for Tindouf population

An international non-governmental organisation called upon the UN Human Rights' Council to set up a commission of enquiry into the misappropriation of humanitarian aid destined for the population detained in Tindouf against their will.

Intervening under point four of the Council's Tenth Session, relating to "situations requiring attention", the International Democratic Centre (IDC) "demanded that a commission of enquiry be established to assist the population in Tindouf in receiving the humanitarian aid and food to which they are entitled, while also denouncing and punishing those who are responsible for misappropriating the humanitarian aid".

M. Semlali Aabadila, the IDC representative, also called upon Algeria "to allow a census of the population in Tindouf to be carried out by the United Nations, as well as lifting the siege of the Tindouf Camps which Algeria has imposed upon the population, so that the people can excercise their right to freedom of movement."

He went on to say that "from 1976 onwards the leaders of the Polisario - greedy for power and riches - have become specialists in stealing humanitarian aid and food destined for the population of Tindouf in Algeria, while being supported and proteted by the Algerian Army." 

The paradox is that while continuing to organise grandiose and extravagant festivities for visiting foreign delegations it also shouts about famine threatening the population detained against their will in Tindouf.

M. Aabadila emphasised that although current international circumstances are characterised by a unprecedented crisis which will have a serious impact on everyone, this should not obscure the humanitarian tragedy endured by Moroccans living against their will in the Tindouf Camps in Algeria, which demands special attention by the Human Rights' Council.

He emphasised that Morocco's proposal for a plan for Autonomy for the Sahara is fundamentally based on respect for human rights and the development of the individual, as well as being a type of progressive self-determination.  He regretted that this is a principle which Algeria continues to manipulate for its own territorial ambitions in the Maghreb.

March 2009