Flash Points and Fast Talk

Findings from the Western Sahara

Contact: Kathryn Porter, 703-901-9919

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Two American NGOs, the Leadership Council for Human Rights (LCHR) and Teach the Children International (TCI) completed a visit to the Western Sahara, a territory administered by Morocco, to assess the human rights situation. One of the members of the delegation, Kathryn Porter of the LCHR, requested a visa from the Algerian authorities through their visa section in Washington DC to visit the Sahrawi refugee camps near Tindouf, Algeria. Regretfully her application was not acted upon by the Algerian government.

The delegation was composed of Mrs. Nancy Huff president of Teach the Children International (TCI) and Kathryn Cameron Porter founder and President of the Leadership Council for Human Rights (LCHR) and the Congressional Human Rights Caucus of the United States. The delegation travelled to Laayoune and Dakhla for over ten days to allow sufficient time to observe facts on the ground and to meet with as many people as possible. The members of the Delegation met with a broad range of civil society activists, representatives of the UN, Chiefs of Tribes, government officials, recent returnees from the camps of Tindouf in Algeria as well as individuals who travel back and forth in the region.

The members of the delegation affirm that they do not take sides on the status of Western Sahara because of the complexity of the issue. Their concern focused on the humanitarian dimension of the conflict and the urgent need to assist the people who remain in the Tindouf camps. Unfortunately, the increased security concerns in the region and the growing danger posed by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), along with the deteriorating situation in Mali, became an underlying focus of the delegation's interviews and conversations.

The delegation's attention focused on the situation in the capital of Western Sahara, Laayoune, as well as its surroundings. While life is improving and business developing, there is growing tension that is noticeable in small intimate meetings and private conversations. Individuals expressed their concern with those paid by Algeria and the Polisario to disrupt everyday life for Sahrawis and for the Moroccan authorities. Meetings were held with over 100 people representing active NGOs. Many shared their concerns for family members in the Tindouf Camps who have disappeared, or have been imprisoned or tortured. The delegation heard many harrowing testimonies of men, women and children who have fled the camps. Their stories had never been told and each interview was emotional and heart-rending. Many simply wanted to know where their loved ones were buried.

The delegation also held meetings in Rabat with experts on Human Rights, members of civil society and government officials.

Ms Porter and Ms Huff were welcomed by the newly appointed head of MINURSO, the UN organization that is responsible for monitoring the cease-fire between the Polisario and Morocco. MINURSO has had a presence in Southern Morocco since 1991 and has a prominent presence with 250 troops.

A trip report was published and can be found on www.leadership-council.org and teachthechildreninternational.com/blog. 

Links between the Polisario movement and Al Qaeda has been reported on by AFP, Spanish media, Jeune Afrique and acknowledged by the Polisario 'Defense Minister' in an interview to the Spanish media.

It became clear from the interviews that the Polisario is supporting Al Qaeda and other illegal activities in the Sahel region. As the refugees struggle to exist and to find ways to escape the camps, it has become increasingly dangerous for them and for those who try to help. As the numbers dwindle, the Polisario is desperate to find ways to support their lifestyles outside of the camps. They rely on specific numbers of refugees for funding from UNHCR. There are some interviewees who believe the Polisario enables a safe haven for AQIM and the cartels. This is underscored by the recent kidnappings from the Polisario headquarters, in the Tindouf camps, of humanitarian aid workers.

Conclusions and Call for Action:

Since the refugees have been warehoused for 37 years, the people are weary of continued talks within the United Nations that have led to no action and worsening conditions. The refugees in the Tindouf camps are disillusioned, discouraged and disheartened. The disenfranchised youth have begun to look to other places for survival and a future. One of the sources could have catastrophic implications for the region and the free world. Many are embracing the doctrine of AQIM and al Qaeda as well as other illegal activities. While the youth look one direction, the corruption of the Polisario leadership continues to build, creating a explosive and deteriorating situation as evidenced by the recent horrific situation in Libya.

It is clear that a census is long overdue within the camps. UNHCR must find a way to resist the influence of Algeria in order to accomplish this basic information. No other refugee situation in the world has endured this problem. This outrage must end. We call on all international human rights organizations to join hands to end this outrageous injustice.

The international community can no longer afford to stand by as disinterested spectators. Values of freedom and universal compassion must prevail. As members of the free world, we have a moral duty to end the suffering of thousands of Sahrawi refugees held hostage on the Algerian desert for over 37 years denied their basic rights.