Human rights watch has reacted to the crisis linked to the Syrian refugees stuck in the borders between Algerian and Morocco. The organization released an article this morning claiming that authorities in both countries should afford medical assistance and protection to the Syrian asylum seekers who are trapped in the border area near Figuig. According to the same source, the group of refugees has crossed the borders of Algeria coming from Libya. They were on their way to Morocco when they got prevented from entering the country by the guards. The same thing happened when they went back to the Algerian borders. Human rights watch declared that the group of refugees stuck since 18th of April in a no man land includes «20 women, 2 of them in advanced stages of pregnancy, and 22 children. One woman gave birth in the border area on the evening of April 23.» HRW also pointed out that the Moroccan authorities have announced in their last statement concerning the refugees that the kingdom «will grant entry visas to nine of the Syrians who have relatives living legally in Morocco». Meanwhile, the Algerian Foreign Ministry «denied the allegations, saying they (Syrian refugees) were aimed at 'harming Algeria,' yet did not offer another version of events», HRW reports. The NGO confirmed also that the situation «is a violation of Morocco's international obligations». The non-governmental organization also added that «such removals also may violate article 29 of Morocco's Law 02-03 on the Entry and Presence of Foreigners in the Kingdom. That article also prohibits the removal of pregnant women.»
