Statement on the Conditions of Azawad Refugees in Mauritania and the Denial of Their Basic Rights.
Thousands of Azawad refugees have since 2012 fled the killing, persecution, and destruction perpetrated by the Malian government and sought refuge in Mauritania. They brought with them only their wounds and their hopes for survival, not out of greed or meddling. However, more than a decade later, the suffering of Azawad refugees in Mauritanian camps continues and is becoming more severe.
1. Denial of International Aid:
Although Mauritania receives international aid, including from the United States, the European Union, and international relief organizations, most of this aid does not actually reach Azawad refugees. Their names are used in the files, but they are only granted a small fraction of it, if any.
2. Discrimination in Treatment:
Syrian refugees and others who arrived after them have enjoyed special care, including education, healthcare, and transportation. While Azawadi refugees are prohibited from moving freely, even within Mauritanian territory, despite holding official residency papers and a “travel document” issued by UNHCR and signed by the authorities.
3. Restrictions on Movement:
Azawadi refugees are prohibited from entering areas such as Hodh Chargui and Bassiknou, or even leaving the camp, as if their freedom is held hostage, even though they did not enter the country illegally, but rather sought safety under international protection.
4. Lack of Healthcare and Education:
The camp lacks even the most basic healthcare and educational facilities. Patients are forced to travel long distances to Nema or Nouakchott without guaranteed treatment, and children grow up without adequate schools or psychological or educational support.
5. Political and Media Exploitation:
The name “Azawadi Refugee Camp” is used as a facade to receive aid and grants, but the reality inside does not reflect this. Indeed, 70% of Azawadi refugees live outside the camp without official recognition and do not receive any of this aid.
Since 2012, thousands of Azawadis have sought refuge in Mauritania, fleeing war and persecution. However, their suffering has not ended; rather, it has intensified due to:
🔸 Denial of Aid
The aid provided in their name is distributed unfairly within the camps:
– Number (1) receives a very small amount per month
– Number (2) receives less than Number (1) and after a longer period
– Number (3) may not receive anything for months, and if they do, it is for very small amounts
🔸 Denial of Freedom of Movement
Despite having official documents, Azawadis are prevented from moving freely in areas such as Hodh Chargui and Bassiknou.
🔸 Marginalization and Exclusion
Approximately 70% of refugees live outside the camps and are not officially recognized. They lack basic rights such as food, education, and healthcare.
We demand the following:
– Full recognition of the rights of Azawadi refugees as citizens with dignity and a voice, not just numbers in UN reports.
– Enabling them to move freely within Mauritania.
– Allocating a fair portion of international aid granted in their name to actually reach them.
– Establishing transparent oversight mechanisms for the distribution of aid inside and outside the camp.
– Providing basic healthcare and education on an equal footing.
In conclusion, we remind everyone that refugees are neither criminals nor a burden, but rather human beings with the right to life and dignity. Azawad continues to bleed, and these refugees represent its oppressed voice.
And God is the Grantor of success.
We demand:
✔️ Fair and transparent distribution of aid
✔️ Full recognition of all refugees, inside and outside the camps
✔️ Guaranteeing freedom of movement and full human rights
✔️ Providing education and healthcare to all refugees
A refugee is not just a number… he is a human being who deserves life and dignity!
#RefugeeRights #Azawad #Mauritania
Azawad Support Group