Evaluation of DG ECHO's Actions in the Saharawi Refugee Camps, Algeria 2006-2008

This report summarises an independent evaluation of DG ECHO’s actions in the Saharawi
refugee camps which took place between April to May 2009, focussing on the funding
provided through the 2006 through 2008 decisions. The aim of the evaluation is to advise
DG ECHO on priorities, make specific recommendations for improving the impact of its
humanitarian response and provide advice on its strategy for 2009 onwards.

Context
The Saharawi Refugee camps represent a unique protracted forgotten crisis with
specificities and challenges. Located in a harsh desert region of Algeria, the refugee camps
were established over thirty years ago in the wake of the conflict between the Polisario
Front –the Saharawi liberation movement- and Morocco in 1976. Since then, residents in
the refugee camps have remained heavily dependent on international humanitarian aid.
Population estimates range between 90,000 and 200,000 people. The exact number of
refugees is a sensitive issue with a political dimension and consequences. WFP has been
providing rations for 158,000 people until 2006 and 125,000 after this date. It is important
to highlight that politics around the numbers of people in need have negative consequences
on humanitarian assistance. The low intensity conflict is at an impasse and with it there are
few prospects for change in the humanitarian situation of refugees. The current stalemate
in the political settlement of the dispute prevents any prospects of other actors investing in
resettlement, recovery or development.