New York:Several petitioners have raised concerns at the United Nations Headquarters regarding the recruitment and indoctrination of children in the Tindouf camps, which are under the control of “polisario” militias. They highlighted the alarmingly limited prospects for youth in these camps, pointing to the risks of exploitation and radicalization.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Sherry Erb from Oasis Ministries addressed the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly. She emphasized that the issues of child recruitment and militarization in the Tindouf camps have been repeatedly highlighted by UN bodies and international NGOs. Erb cited a Washington Post investigation from April 2025, revealing the capture of hundreds of “polisario” members and child soldiers by new Syrian authorities after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Many of those captured hailed from the Tindouf camps, illustrating the instability caused by prolonged radicalization.

Erb also mentioned Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahraoui, who was once a child soldier trained in the Tindouf camps and later became the leader of ISIS in the Greater Sahara. His journey from an indoctrinated youth to a terrorist leader underlines the severe consequences of militarizing children. Furthermore, Erb pointed out the worsening living conditions in the camps, marked by insecurity, criminal activity, and a lack of economic opportunities, which severely impact the younger population.

Joyce Flynn of Safety and Security Instructional Services highlighted the challenging environment in which Sahrawi children have grown up, characterized by isolation, movement restrictions, and an uncertain future. She noted that independent humanitarian organizations have reported multiple deficiencies in the camp’s education system, affecting educational and professional opportunities for the youth. Flynn stressed that the conditions necessary for stability and quality education cannot be achieved under the “polisario” armed group’s rule.

Nancy Huff from Teach the Children International addressed longstanding issues of ideological indoctrination in the camps. She recounted testimonies of children being sent abroad for military-style training and education, including reports of them being taken to Cuba. There, they engaged in labor, attended school, and received military training. Huff added that strict ideological control within the camps led to the punishment of dissent and the indoctrination of children with anti-Moroccan rhetoric. She also highlighted the lack of a comprehensive census of the camp population, which poses challenges for humanitarian planning and increases the vulnerability of young people.