Algeria: Saharawi Response
In Algeria, more than 173,000 Sahrawi refugees remain stranded in the Tindouf desert camps - one of the world's longest-standing and most forgotten refugee situations. With the Western Sahara conflict still unresolved despite renewed international diplomatic efforts, the population relies entirely on humanitarian aid for basic needs. DRC has been operating in Tindouf since 2016, focusing on building the resilience and self-reliance of Sahrawi refugees, with particular focus on women and youth.
Why we are there
Located in a harsh desert environment with extreme temperatures, frequent sandstorms, and scarce rainfall, these camps represent the world's second longest-standing refugee situations. Despite renewed international diplomatic efforts toward a political resolution to the Western Sahara conflict no mutually agreed political solutions has been found to date. The population relies entirely on international humanitarian aid for basic needs. Additionally, landmines and explosive remnants of war pose serious risks to those traveling between the camps and the eastern side of the Berm.
What we do
Working in the five Sahrawi refugee camps of Ausserd, Boujdour, Dakhla, Laayoune, and Smara since 2026 in Algeria, DRC implemented Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA), Community Safety, Protection, Livelihoods and Economic Recovery projects. Since 2022, DRC focused its efforts in the Economic Recovery sector, to build the resilience of youth Sahrawi refugees by focusing on improving food security outcomes through supporting new small businesses and investment in food production businesses and cooperatives. To date, DRC has delivered entrepreneurship training to more than 6000 Sahrawi refugees, supported the creation of more than 400 youth-led businesses - of which 320 are still operational - and established 27 savings/loans associations; rehabilitated and equipped 6 youth centres.
In 2026, DRC will continue to support Saharawi refugees scoping opportunities for increased self-reliance through expanded market linkages and investment into strategic value chains, leveraging digital technologies and skills to foster DRC Go Green agenda, as well as incepting protection programming through youth-led and community-based interventions leveraging the Sport for Protection approach.
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