A high-level conference at the Palais des Nations in Geneva placed long-term displacement in Africa at the centre of discussions, with speakers drawing particular attention to the dire humanitarian conditions in Algeria’s Tindouf camps. The event, held on the sidelines of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, was convened by several NGOs with consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council, in coordination with the Sovereign Order of Malta. Representatives of the Order of Malta, Nigerien human rights networks, legal experts, and humanitarian actors from the Democratic Republic of Congo also contributed to the debate. Several participants highlighted territorial development models as a means to stabilize vulnerable regions, pointing to infrastructure investment and improved living standards in Morocco’s southern provinces as an example of resilience-focused planning. The conference also reviewed worsening displacement across the Sahel, driven by armed conflict and climate fragility, including the rising recruitment of children.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 27, 2026 11:28 UTC