Algeria / Western Sahara
Caught in the cross-fire of the conflict opposing Morocco and the Polisario Front over the former Spanish colony of Western Sahara since 1976, around 90,000 Sahrawian refugees have been living in the Algerian region of Tindouf for over 30 years. They are settled in four camps in the area, despite its harsh climate and very limited access to basic resources.
Since 1993 the European Commission has helped to meet their basic needs in food, water, housing and medical care contributing €165 million.
In 2010, the European Commission Humanitarian Aid department allocates €10 million to improving the living conditions of the refugee. The bulk of the funds are spent on food aid and ensuring access to safe water. Public-awareness campaigns in hygiene to reduce the risk of diseases and improved sanitation in schools are also funded by ECHO. Training of local hospital personnel and the distribution of essential drugs to all hospitals and dispensaries are another important element of the aid. ECHO also contributes to the provision of shelter materials and the use of improved building methods so that the shelters resist flash floods and harsh weather conditions.
Stories from the field
- The Sahrawi refugees – a forgotten crisis in the Algerian desert (2011)
- "My desert vegetable garden..." (2007)
- 2am – a downpour in the middle of the desert (2006)
- We know how to fight against the sand, but against the rain? (2006)
- Sahrawi Refugees: 30 years in the Algerian desert (2004)
- Spotlight on healthcare (2002)
Related information
- Factsheet: humanitarian aid for the Sahrawian refugees
(October 2011) - Press releases
- Contact: Regional offices
Other EU websites about Algeria / Western Sahara: