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Life in a Western Saharan refugee camp

By Lyn Allison - posted Wednesday, 15 November 2000


Women tend goats and camels, holding them in makeshift enclosures at night. They make structures out of mud bricks and wash them with terracotta, yellow and white render.

On average 14 or 15 people sleep in each UN-supplied tent. But there is no squalor in this orderly place and these women are not looking for our pity. Their frustration comes from the fact that the world has largely forgotten its promise to them.

Hostilities in this lop-sided war stopped in the interests of a peaceful outcome but with no referendum in sight the resumption of the war is likely. Any decision to resume fighting will be made by the Parliament, not the military, the Prime Minister hastened to assure me.

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The Saharawis were keen to tell me two things they know about Australia. Firstly, that we played a key role in helping East Timor achieve independence and, secondly, we have some of the finest herds of camel in the world and, extraordinarily, do not use them!

Australia could play a role in determining Western Sahara’s sovereignty. It could give the political arm of the Saharawis diplomatic status in Australia, as 76 other countries have done. It could also put pressure on the UN, Morocco and France to see that a fair referendum is held quickly.

Australia should also extend a hand of friendship in a cultural exchange which could include taking some Saharawi students into our schools and universities. They also need better irrigation equipment, blankets, water tanks, refrigerators and medical supplies. Perhaps we should send them our camels too.

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About the Author

Lyn Allison is a patron of the Peace Organisation of Australia and was leader of the Australian Democrats from 2004 to 2008.

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