Rabat – The Third Global Consultation on the Health of Refugees and Migrants, which took place in Rabat between June 13 to 15, witnessed an intense debate surrounding Algeria’s reservations regarding refugee registration.
While participants agreed on the importance of registering refugees as an international protective measure, Algeria’s questioning of and reluctance to fully embrace the principle has drawn criticism from various parties.
The Rabat Declaration, a significant outcome of the consultation, stressed the crucial role of refugee registration in safeguarding public health systems and ensuring the provision of dedicated social protection programs for refugees.
The declaration received overwhelming support from the international community, with various countries underlining the need for comprehensive refugee registration based on established international standards.
However, the Algerian delegation stood out as the only participant expressing reservations about the clause relating to refugee registration.
The unexpected move has raised concerns about the country’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations and responsibilities towards the population residing in the Tindouf refugee camps.
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In addition, the Algerian delegation’s attempt to remove references to refugee registration from the Rabat Declaration was considered a breach of the country’s international commitments.
This particularly includes Resolution 2654 which the United Nations Security Council adopted in 2022, explicitly calling on Algeria to permit the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to register and document the population of the Tindouf camps.
Algeria’s hesitation to fully welcome refugee registration within its territory has been met with widespread disappointment and concern from senior officials in global organizations.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UNHCR, along with other participants at the global consultation, have voiced their concerns about Algeria’s stance, urging the country to reconsider its position.
Algeria’s reservations regarding refugee registration have aroused a broader conversation about the country’s adherence to international standards and obligations, with the global community stressing that political considerations should not hinder the proper implementation of refugee registration procedures.
Meanwhile, the same organizations have praised Morocco’s proactive role in promoting and protecting the rights and dignity of refugees and migrants.
The meeting highlighted the significance of refugee registration, with the participants arguing that it serves as a critical step in ensuring the provision of essential healthcare services, protection, and humanitarian assistance to refugees.
In addition, registering and documenting refugees can allow countries to better track and address their specific needs, notably their healthcare requirements.
