The «Holidays in Peace» program came under intense scrutiny at the United Nations Human Rights Council. Representing the NGO Africa Culture Internationale, Saïd Achemir, an activist from Laayoune, denounced it yesterday as «a propaganda and manipulation tool» serving the political agenda of the Polisario. He condemned «the cynical exploitation of minors for political purposes, in violation of international conventions on children's rights». He urged the Human Rights Council and other relevant UN bodies to intervene and put an end to what he described as exploitative practices, ensuring genuine protection for children in the Tindouf camps. His statement echoed the criticisms voiced on June 30, 2024, by the Support Forum for Tindouf Autonomists (FORSATIN) against the «Holidays in Peace» program. The NGO denounced the abuses of an initiative that, according to them, primarily seeks to «facilitate the adoption of Sahrawi children by European associations and families». Under the pretext of creative activities, visits, trips, and therapeutic campaigns, the program uproots children from their environment, FORSATIN warned.
