National Forum for Human Rights Urges OHCHR to Open Investigation on Prisoners in Tindouf Camps

In a letter to the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Forum said that after reviewing the audiovisual testimonies and stories reported by the media on the cases of oppression, torture and violation of freedom of opinion and expression against prisoners of "Dhibia" in Tindouf camps, southern Algeria, it expresses its deep concern and great concern at these blatant practices of human rights abuses.

In its letter, the Forum says that Algeria is responsible before the international community of the human rights abuses and violations committed on its territory, adding that Algiers cannot escape the criminal liability arising from these practices.

It also recalls that the atrocities committed by "Polisario" in Tindouf camps constitute a flagrant violation of the commitments of Algeria vis-à-vis the international law.

Based on the moral responsibility of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), including the monitoring powers granted by virtue of its 1958 status, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has to protect refugees in accordance with its prerogatives, the Forum stresses in its letter.