Algeria Protests To The Office Of High Commissioner For Human Rights In Geneva

Algeria protested to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the statements that were made by the spokesperson of the Office of the Commissioner, which alleged Algeria’s ill-treatment of illegal immigrants when deported to their countries of origin, and demanded clarification.

Algeria commissioned its permanent representative in Geneva, to convey its protest of the “unacceptable” statements that were made by OHCHR spokesperson about the circumstances in which illegal immigrants were deported to their countries of origin.

In a strong statement, the Algerian Foreign Ministry put points on the letters in relation to the deportation of illegal immigrants and considered that ensuring the security and tranquility of its citizens and foreigners who are residing legally on its territory is a priority.

“According to a recent statement that was issued by the spokesperson of the Office of the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights on the circumstances in which illegal migrants were deported from Algeria to their countries of origin, Algeria’s permanent representative in Geneva was instructed to inform the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the strong dissatisfaction of the Algerian authorities against the unacceptable statements that were made by his spokesperson and ask for clarifications on the reasons for the trial of intentions, and described what was said by the spokeswoman for the Office of the High Commissioner as reckless and showing recklessness”, the Algerian FM said.

Foreign Ministry’s statement, which had a similar response on Friday, said that non-governmental organizations are trying to distort the image of Algeria with allegations of ill-treatment of illegal immigrants to corrupt its relationships with its neighbors.

“These statements are based on just partial and unconfirmed details that constitute a serious breach of truth, and a large violation of the duty of accuracy, caution and objectivity, which must be complied with in all circumstances of the Office of Human Rights, especially when it comes to issues that are very sensitive and very complex”.

The Foreign Ministry, which has stepped up its rhetoric, says: “Algeria reaffirms officially that, in the face of the serious challenges that are posed by the phenomenon of illegal immigration, it is entitled, like all countries of the world, to take all measures that it deems appropriate to ensure the security and tranquility of its citizens and aliens that are residing legally on its territory.”

“Deportation of illegal immigrants to the border is carried out in accordance with the Algerian law and the international obligations of Algeria and with strict respect for human rights and the dignity of the concerned persons”, the ministry said.

“These operations are carried out with the prior consent of the authorities of the countries that are concerned to identify the persons and issue consular passports with the participation of the Algerian Red Crescent volunteers and members of the civil protection. Deporting illegal immigrants is curried out in circumstances that fit with the receiving centers that are equipped especially for this purpose and transferring them to the city of Tamanrasset (southern Algeria) to allocate buses that are equipped with all means of safety and comfort”.

“Algeria remains and will remain a hospitable land, because it can not retreat from its human values ​​nor its policy of welcoming and harboring all those who are persecuted or driven by crises and conflicts in their own country into exile”.