HIBAPRESS
Two non-governmental organizations on Thursday in Geneva drew attention to the human rights situation in the Tindouf camps, emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations and its relevant mechanisms, and to ensure effective follow-up of cases requiring special protection among the camp residents.
Aisha Douehi, speaking on behalf of the Organization for the Promotion of Economic and Social Development (PDES), affirmed during the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council that cooperation with the United Nations and its mechanisms is a fundamental tool for ensuring the effective protection of human rights.
Ms. Douehi, speaking under agenda item five of the general debate, called for enhancing access for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and specialized mechanisms to the Tindouf camps, independently, regularly, and safely.
Addressing the data used by the High Commissioner for humanitarian planning purposes, she noted that it does not constitute a comprehensive and updated demographic census, calling for the establishment of a transparent process for data registration and updating.
She also stressed the necessity of protecting individuals cooperating with United Nations mechanisms from any intimidation or acts of reprisal, affirming that the humanitarian response should be coupled with the protection of human rights and the search for sustainable solutions.
In the same context, Mustafa Ma Al-Ainain, speaking on behalf of the Center for the Defense of Human Rights and Peace, called on the specialized mechanisms of the Human Rights Council to ensure effective follow-up of individual cases presented to them, especially when the health, dignity, and fundamental rights of the individuals concerned are at stake.
The speaker specifically addressed the case of Lalla Heidass, a resident of the Tindouf camps, whose situation has been reported to the relevant United Nations mechanisms.
The Center indicated that she suffers from a serious medical condition requiring specialized care, calling for her swift access to appropriate medical care and facilitating her medical evacuation if necessary.
It also urged Algeria, as the host country, to facilitate access to the required specialized care, in accordance with applicable international human rights commitments.
