UNHCR Urged to Inform Tindouf Camp Residents of Durable Solutions

Algeria-hosted Tindouf camps’ residents should be informed of the various “durable solutions” available to them, a group of states said on Thursday, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025) and recent diplomatic developments.

The camps, located near the Algerian town of Tindouf, host Sahrawi refugees who have been displaced for decades due to the Western Sahara conflict.

Call for Information on Durable Solutions

The group believes that, given the resolution and subsequent diplomatic steps, there is a real opportunity for the camp populations to access durable solutions that were previously unavailable, said Todd Steggerda, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, who delivered a statement co‑drafted with France during the 77th session of UNHCR’s Executive Committee (ExCom).

“This group of states believes that, in view of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025) and subsequent diplomatic developments, there is a real opportunity for the populations to access durable solutions that did not exist previously,” said Todd Steggerda, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, delivering a statement co-drafted with France during the 77th session of UNHCR’s Executive Committee (ExCom).

The statement added that UNHCR and donor countries should “take steps to inform” the populations of the camps of “the options at their disposal and make preparations for them to attain a more dignified future.”

Group’s Thanks and Priorities

The group, comprising geographically representative states that contribute significant funding and national resources towards the work of UNHCR, thanked High Commissioner Barham Salih for identifying long‑term displacement as a priority, stressing that “ending long‑term displacement is necessary to sustain UNHCR’s important work.”

Urging Action on Root Causes and Political Processes

In line with a renewed focus on durable solutions, the group encouraged UNHCR to address the root causes of forced displacement in accordance with its mandate, emphasizing that “there is no substitute for peace.”

It also urged the agency to “seize every opportunity to contribute to political processes, as well as peace and development efforts that could lead to durable solutions.”

“This involves providing technical protection expertise, as well as mobilizing states and peace and development actors to build solutions adapted to specific contexts,” the statement added.

Alignment with Morocco’s Position

The group’s position echoes that of Morocco—formally supported by a significant number of ExCom member states—which had called on Tuesday for the UNHCR leadership and donor countries to refocus their efforts on financing durable solutions for the populations of the Tindouf camps.

Morocco advocated prioritizing voluntary repatriation, integration in the host country, or resettlement in third countries, based on the free and voluntary choices of the populations concerned.