A Moroccan association advocating for the rights of victims of the 1975 mass expulsions from Algeria has called on the government to prioritize this issue in any upcoming negotiations or reconciliation efforts between Morocco and Algeria. The Association for the Defense of Moroccans Victims of Forced Displacement from Algeria has formally reached out to Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing that the humanitarian aspects surrounding this historical injustice should be at the forefront of discussions between the two neighboring nations.
According to the association, thousands of Moroccan citizens who were legally residing in Algeria faced forced collective expulsions in 1975. This traumatic event was marked by significant human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, mistreatment, discrimination based on nationality, confiscation of property and civil rights, enforced disappearances, and family separations. These actions not only disrupted lives but also left lasting scars that continue to affect the victims and their descendants.
The organization has expressed its commitment to monitoring diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering reconciliation and regional stability within North Africa. It insists that any future agreements or understandings between Morocco and Algeria must adequately address the humanitarian fallout from the expulsions, aligning with international human rights principles and mechanisms for justice and reparations. By doing so, it believes that the long-standing grievances can be acknowledged and remedied.
Linking its plea to ongoing regional diplomatic efforts, the association highlighted the international momentum surrounding the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2797, which pertains to the Western Sahara issue and the political process under U.N. auspices. It has urged Morocco’s Foreign Ministry to bring this matter into diplomatic dialogues that aim to strengthen regional peace and foster confidence-building measures between the two countries, while ensuring victims’ rights to compensation, restitution of property, and the restoration of their social and civil rights.
Mohamed Alati Allah, president of the association, underscored the enduring impact of this humanitarian tragedy, stating that the suffering of victims and their families remains vivid nearly five decades later. "The suffering has not been forgotten," he asserted, emphasizing that the association's primary demands revolve around the recovery of confiscated properties, the reinstatement of frozen pensions, and the reclamation of other rights lost since the expulsions.
Since 2005, the association has campaigned internationally to raise awareness about these issues. Alati Allah noted that a U.N. committee focused on migrant workers’ rights had previously recommended that Algeria restore rights to Moroccan victims and facilitate family reunification. Additionally, efforts have been made to present the situation before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, although no case has been filed, as such proceedings would necessitate action by the Moroccan state.
The association has also raised alarms about individuals who allegedly went missing during the expulsions, noting that the U.N. Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances had previously reached out to Algerian authorities regarding this matter, yet had not received any official responses.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
