Amid the diplomatic crisis between Algeria and Mali, the country is witnessing a disturbing wave of hate speech and violence against sub-Saharan African migrants. This phenomenon has been exacerbated by social media, where videos and comments inciting violence and racial discrimination are being circulated, threatening social peace and violating universal human rights principles.

In a statement, the Confederation of Trade Unions of Productive Forces called on Algerian authorities, both security and judicial, to take immediate action to halt these violations and hold accountable anyone who promotes hatred or participates in racist acts. It is the state's duty to protect all individuals within its territory, regardless of their origin or legal status.

Calls for Humane Migration Laws and the Protection of Migrants’ Rights in Algeria

In a statement issued by human rights activists, the following were demanded:

• End Forced Deportations Carried Out Outside the Legal Framework, which are carried out without due process or fair trial guarantees.
• Guarantee Access to Legal Counsel and independent monitoring by human rights organizations and
• Adopt Fair Migration Policies that respect migrants’ dignity and safeguard their fundamental rights.

Launch of the Trade Union Committee for Algerian Workers and Migrants

The statement also expressed concern over the resumption by the Algerian authorities of deportations of illegal Algerians in France (harragas), within the framework of security cooperation between Algeria and France. The statement stressed that the return of the wave of expulsions from France to Algeria after a hiatus that lasted throughout the duration of the diplomatic crisis confirms the Algerian authorities’ use of illegal immigrants as a tool for political bargaining and political pressure on European countries, which is considered a flagrant violation of human rights.

In response to this policy, the Confederation announced its intention to establish Union Committee of Algerian Migrants and Asylum Seekers, which will be registered as an international association in Switzerland, aims to:

• Defend the rights of Algerians living abroad, particularly those with irregular immigration status.
• Combat all forms of exploitation and abuse by the Algerian authorities aimed at exerting pressure on European governments for political gain.
• Urge European governments to uphold their international obligations.

Urgent appeal to the international community

The statement finally issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations, human rights organizations, and international trade unions to exert greater pressure on Algeria and the European Union to end violations against migrants, both in Algeria and in Europe. Silence is no longer an option in the face of these inhumane practices.

“Human dignity is non-negotiable. We will stand firm until justice is achieved.”