Moroccan human rights minister meets ICRC executive

Morocco's human rights minister, Mohamed Aujjar, renewed here on Wednesday, at a meeting with the regional representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Harald Smid De Grunicek, Morocco's call for the release of populations sequestered by secessionist group "Polisario" in the Tindouf camps (southwestern Algeria).

The official said Morocco wants an immediate and unconditional release of all Moroccans detained in the Tindouf camps by the Polisario, an Algeria-backed group claiming the independence of Morocco's southern provinces. He said this detention violates international law and the Geneva convention.

Aujjar further praised the international community's action in favor of this humanitarian crisis and the ICRC efforts to end the tragedy.

Talks also surveyed means to consolidate cooperation between Morocco and the ICRC in spreading and consecrating human rights culture. The two men further surveyed stages covered by Morocco in human rights issues and the nationwide education to human rights program that was described as strategic and exemplary at the regional and international scales.