A press conference held on the sidelines of the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva highlighted Morocco's successful experience in dealing with issues related to minorities, migrants, and refugees, in contrast to the violations occurring in the Tindouf camps in Algeria.
Gjamoula Boussif, President of the Sahara Observatory for Economic and Social Development in the Dakhla Oued Eddahab region (Moroccan Sahara), speaking at the conference titled "Diasporas and Minority Rights: opportunities Arising from Challenges," organized by The Geneva Press Club, the Training Centre for the Development of Ex-Combatants (CEDAC) and the Independent Center for Research and Initiatives for Dialogue (CIRID), stated that the rights of migrants and minorities are a global issue. She pointed out that Morocco has notably responded to this challenge, especially regarding migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
Boussif added that since 2007, Morocco has committed to establishing a network of centers to receive migrants and asylum seekers, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in cities like Rabat, Salé, Casablanca, and Oujda. These centers have gone beyond traditional roles, such as providing shelter and food, to also offering psychological and social support, education for migrants, safe housing for unaccompanied children, individuals with special needs, and women at risk, as well as emergency rooms.
The speaker also mentioned that these centers provide vocational training to facilitate the integration of migrants into the job market. She noted that the Moroccan economy has managed to absorb large numbers of migrants, particularly in cities like Casablanca, Tangier, Dakhla, and Laayoune.
Boussif stated that in the southern Moroccan cities of Dakhla and Laayoune, many migrants work in the fishing sector, as well as in trade and services. She noted that these cities have benefited from Moroccan development projects, which have contributed to the integration of migrants.
In contrast to this situation, Boussif pointed out the dire conditions of those detained in the Tindouf camps in Algeria, under the control of the Polisario Front. She described the camps as being ruled by a system of oppression, ignorance, deprivation, and restriction of freedom of movement.
She further emphasized that blatant human rights violations prevail in these camps, particularly systematic racism against the black minority, who are referred to as slaves, in complete disregard of international conventions and laws.
Boussif called on the international community to take action to pressure Algeria and the Polisario Front to end these violations and provide necessary protection for the Sahrawis detained in Tindouf. She stressed that the United Nations and the UNHCR must intervene to allow humanitarian aid to reach the camps and ensure the benefit of the residents.
