Aicha Duihi, passionate advocate for Sahrawi rights, is at the forefront of the fight for justice from Geneva. On March 20, 2025, she arrives at the Human Rights Council ready to lead an event focusing on her cause. Dressed in traditional attire, she embodies years of dedication to human rights, having pursued extensive studies in economics, management, and law, ultimately becoming the president of the Sahara Observatory for Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights.
Duihi vehemently calls for attention to the plight of the Sahrawi people in Tindouf, emphasising their undefined legal status and absence of fundamental rights. She highlights that the camps, classified as refugee camps by the UN, do not meet legal criteria, leading to dire living conditions. “These camps are officially recognized as refugee camps by the United Nations, yet they fail to meet the basic criteria for refugee status,” she insists, detailing instances of extrajudicial executions and arbitrary detentions.
Concern extends to Algeria, which has neglected its responsibilities. Duihi criticizes Algeria for lacking oversight over the camps, asserting that it has handed complete control to the Polisario Front in violation of international law. “Algeria has completely delegated the management of these camps to the Polisario,” she states, reinforcing the need for accountability.
For three years, the Sahara Observatory has been documenting human rights violations and collaborating with international bodies, yet Duihi remains disheartened by the unresponsiveness of institutions regarding Tindouf’s situation. “We have already brought this issue before multiple United Nations bodies and the European Parliament, yet the silence persists,” she laments, determined to make a change.
With plans to amplify advocacy efforts using first-hand accounts and investigative reports, Duihi is resolute in ensuring Sahrawi voices resonate across platforms in Geneva and Brussels. Her dedication was recognised when she was awarded the European Prize for International Women’s Leadership, highlighting her significant contribution to the fight for justice in her homeland.
Aicha Duihi, a dedicated Sahrawi activist, advocates for human rights from Geneva, focusing on the dire situation in Tindouf. Despite the UN’s recognition of the camps, Duihi highlights the lack of rights and legal status for their residents. Through the Sahara Observatory for Peace, she raises international awareness and demands accountability from Algeria and the Polisario Front, committed to ending a decades-long struggle for justice.
In summary, Aicha Duihi’s advocacy work shines a spotlight on the urgent human rights violations faced by the Sahrawi people in Tindouf. Through her relentless efforts, she aims to raise awareness at international levels and ensure accountability for Algeria and the Polisario Front. Her journey illustrates the challenges faced by those fighting for justice, alongside the ongoing need for global recognition of the Sahrawi rights.
Original Source: en.yabiladi.com
