Algeria legally responsible for ensuring respect for human rights in Tindouf camps

Algiers - While the Polisario governs the refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria ultimately has the responsibility to ensure the protection of the rights of all persons on its soil, Human Rights Watch said Saturday in Algiers.

"Algeria should publicly acknowledge its legal responsibility for ensuring respect for the rights of everyone on its territory, including residents of the Polisario-run refugee camps", HWR stressed during a press conference on human rights violations in the Tindouf camps.

The Polisario Front "should end military court jurisdiction over civilians and eradicate all vestiges of slavery", the international human rights watchdog noted, adding that the leaders of the front should "ensure that camp residents are free to challenge its policies and leadership" and "advocate options other than independence for the Sahara".