18.12.2012. Copenhagen/ Brussels, 18 Dec.
2012 – On the occasion of the International Migrants Day, the
Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) calls on the international
community to act out on the dramatic situation of migrants and refugees
stranded at the border between Algeria and Morocco. The EMHRN takes this
opportunity to draw attention to the deteriorating living conditions for this
mixed population, while expressing deep concern about continuing deportation of
migrants and refugees to the border.
Poor hygiene, malnutrition and unsafe
accommodation are seriously undermining the physical integrity of this
population at the border. Access to medical treatment is almost non-existent on
the Algerian side, and on the Moroccan side only available thanks to the work
of local and international civil society. Abuse, such as that by police forces
against them, is rarely reported as migrants and refugees fear arrest and
deportation.
The EMHRN has also noted with concern that women and unaccompanied
minors appear to be the most vulnerable, as they are denied protection from
domestic and gender-based violence. Medical treatment for pregnant women and
access to education for children seem also to be sorely missing. Furthermore,
asylum seekers are struggling to access refugee protection and often run the
risk of being deported, due to the lack of clear procedures for refugee status
determination and limited UNHCR presence in both countries.
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