Morocco calls UNHCR to investigate polisario aid embezzlement

Morocco called Thursday the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to "conduct its own investigation" on the Polisario's embezzlement of humanitarian aid sent to the prisoners of Tindouf (Southwestern Algeria) camps.

Speaking before the UNHCR executive committee' annual meeting, Moroccan ambassador to the UN, Omar Hilale, said in the absence of a reliable structure to monitor the distribution, follow up and control of the aid extended to the sequestered populations, the Polisario leaders are embezzling the international aid send to the sequestered populations in the Tindouf camps. My country's permanent and repeatedly-expressed concern over the issue has been supported by the recent revelations and discoveries NGOs and the press have made on the embezzlement of humanitarian aid, the Moroccan diplomat said.

"In fact, these are no revelations, but a confirmation of what my country has been denouncing before this committee for ages. They prove even more truthful since they come from Polisario's own friends." Less than one month after "the American Refugees Committee" voiced concerned over the issue, French human rights-advocacy foundation "France Libertes" published a report on the harsh detention conditions of Moroccans and the embezzlement of the humanitarian aid.

Donors found a part of the food aid in markets of Zouerat (Mauritania), in southern Algeria and northern Mali while the Polsario kept asking for more aid, Hilale said, adding that the findings made by France Libertes on the basis of a field trip and interviews with the detained persons pushed it to cancel on August 20 all its support and aid to the Tindouf camps.