Algeria Is Entitled To Protect Its Borders and Has Political Will To Fight Human Trafficking

The US State Department said that Algeria has the right to protect its borders and solve problems there, referring to the deportations concerning African refugees to their countries of origin, with the need to provide them with all necessary care and protection.

In this connection, US diplomats praised Algeria’s strenuous efforts to combat trafficking in human beings and said, “We are very proud of Algeria’s achievements in this regard.”

“The past year has improved Algeria’s position. It is certain that progress is continuing, and we are very optimistic about such a steady improvement, and are sure that another improvement on the matter will be recorded in the coming year.”

The US source argued in a statement to “Echorouk” that the adverse phenomenon of illegal migration and the subsequent trafficking in human beings is an “international problem” and is not related to a particular country.

It also noted that the assessment also included the state that prepared the report (America) as the relevant document on the matter is a priority for President Trump and the White House.

The American diplomats highlighted the positive moves recorded by Algeria and echoed the phrase “political will” in dealing with this issue, while commending the openness that the Algerian Government has devoted to dealing efficiently with it, and the open and frank dialogue fostered with the American side.

In this line, the same source mentioned the names of several actors active in this field, including the head of the National Committee for the Prevention of Trafficking in Human Beings, Mr. Mourad Adjabi, and the President of the National Council for Human Rights, Ms Fafa Ben Zerrouki.

With regard to the recent foreign criticisms of Algeria’s handling of repatriation operations, particularly those concerning illegal migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, the US diplomats said the report did not address them because they had been wrapped up after the completion of the report concerned, but acknowledged Algeria’s legitimate right to take the necessary measures to this effect.

“The United States is not interested in the migration case, it is between Algeria and Europe … it is an issue between North African and European countries,” they noted in this respect.