In its latest report on Algeria, Human Rights Watch confirmed that thousands of men, women and children have been deported to Niger and Mali since last January in inhumane conditions, in many cases, regardless of their legal status in Algeria or their fragile situation.
According to testimonies provided by the organization of 30 sub-Saharan migrants of different nationalities, the Algerian authorities raided the areas, where migrants live, arrested them in the streets or at construction sites, and drove them out across the border with Niger or Mali, in most cases without food and with little water, forcing them to walk tens of kilometres in the desert, at high temperatures, before reaching the towns where they would found aid or special means of transport.
The director of the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch highlighted that Algeria has the right to control its borders, but that does not mean it can stop people on the basis of their colour and throw them in the desert, without taking into account their legal status and without any legal process.
Many migrants reported to the organization that the Algerian police used to beat them and refused their requests to take their money and properties. On several occasions, many of their properties were stolen, their telephones were confiscated, and they were deprived from their salaries and sometimes their modest savings during their detention. Although the promises made by the security forces upon their arrival at the Tamanrasset detention center, many migrants did not get back their properties.
According to official statements, the Algerian authorities have deported some 27 000 sub-Saharan migrants in the last three years.
#Inhuman_treatment #migrants #Algeria
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