The Moroccan diplomat, who was speaking following a statement of the Algerian delegation which raised the Sahara issue during the discussion of the HCR report, insisted that, contrary to what Algeria claims, the humanitarian situation in the camps does not hang on a political solution to the Sahara dispute. He underlined, in this regard, that the activity of the HCR is humanitarian and social, not political.

 He added that as from 1975 Morocco have spared any efforts to call for conducting a census of the population in the camps, and that the position of the HCR is unequivocal in this respect.

Concerning the protection of the population of Tindouf camps, Mr Bouchaara has reminded of the necessity of implementing the HCR executive comity’s conclusions concerning the separation of civilians and armed forces.

 He concluded that “Morocco, the international community in addition to donors have a simple and justified request: Algeria cannot indefinitely prevent the HCR from carrying out its mandate.” He stressed that “the HCR should take the necessary measures that enable the refugees to express their wish in terms of the future, without any pressure or threat.