Saharawi Refugee Research Articles

Gender, Nationalism and Revolution in Western Sahara: Women’s Participation in the Polisario State-Movement

This paper explores the intersections of gender, nationalism and revolution by analysing the Polisario Front’s ideology, gender dynamics, women’s legal and constitutional rights, political engagement, sexual division of labour and the women’s rights movement. The analysis presented in this article is grounded in ethnographic and archival research conducted in the Saharawi refugee camps of Tindouf between 2017 and 2018. It argues that the emerging Saharawi feminism is an unintended consequence of the social revolution and conflict-induced migration.

Prevalencia de síntomas mentales entre los refugiados saharauis en Tinduf, Argelia, utilizando el Cuestionario de Salud General Goldberg 28

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of psychopathological symptoms among Saharawi refugees and the influence of sociodemographic factors on the phenotypic expression of mental disorders. DesignCross-sectional descriptive study. LocationPrimary and hospital health care. Participants383 participants over 18 years of age, 59.8% women and 40.2% men, with a mean age of 37.2 (SD = 13.0), from the Laayoune camp, and from the Rabuni National Hospital. MethodologyA descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out between January and August 2017. Participants were selected by consecutive sampling.The main variable was the presence of mental symptoms, measured with the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire - 28. A descriptive analysis of each sociodemographic variable (age, sex, educational level, occupation) and its association with the main variable was carried out using Logistic regression. Results43.3%, 95%CI (38.4-48.3) obtained a score that suggests the presence of mental symptoms. Women presented a mean score higher than men, in subscales A (somatic symptoms) and in subscale B (anxiety).Age over 50 years and having no educational level were associated with a higher probability of having mental symptoms. ConclusionsThe study shows that the prevalence of mental symptoms among Saharawi refugees is high, and reinforces the need for more scientific research in the field of mental health to put the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health in the focus of health policy.

Hijos de las nubes i 45 lat marzeń: uchodźcy Saharawi na terytorium Algierii

Hijos de las nubes and 45 Years of Dreams: Saharawi Refugees in Algeria Over the years, the issue of the protracted exile of the Saharawi people in Algeria as a consequence of the so far unresolved conflict over the Western Sahara has become a highly politicized problem. The protracted standstill and the lack of clear prospects for a referendum that would ultimately end the conflict make it questionable that the Sahrawi refugee situation will change quickly. The article attempts to analyse the status of the Sahrawi people, taking into account the uniqueness of the Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria and their importance for the still unsolved problem of Western Sahara. It is based largely on qualitative data collected from fieldwork in Algeria (including Sahrawi refugee camps), Mauritania and Morocco, and the Rabat-controlled territory of Western Sahara, as well as interviews and conversations with representatives of Spanish NGOs involved in helping Sahrawi refugees, Sahrawi living or temporarily staying in Spain and researchers working at Spanish universities.

Drinking water provision and quality at the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf (Algeria) from 2006 to 2016.

Drinking water provision has been a constant challenge in the Sahrawi refugee camps, located in the desert near Tindouf (Algeria). The drinking water supply system is itself divided in three zones which pump groundwater from different deep aquifers. It is equipped with reverse osmosis plants and chlorination systems for treating water. The allocation of water supplied to the Saharawi refugees for human consumption in 2016 has been estimated at between 14 and 17 L/person/day on average. This supplied water volume is below recommended standards, and also below the strategic objective of the Sahrawi government (20 L/person/day). Yet the local groundwater resources are huge in comparison with estimated consumption, and hence there is great potential for increasing the supplied volume through effecting improvements in the supply system. The physico-chemical quality of the raw and supplied water between 2006 and 2016 has been assessed according to Algerian standards for human consumption. The raw water of two zones of the supply system presents a very high conductivity and high concentrations of chloride, nitrate, fluoride, sulfate, sodium, calcium, potassium and iodide concentrations of natural origin, which may entail health risks. The treatment of water in a reverse osmosis plant greatly improves its quality and osmosed water met the standards. However, the supply of osmosed and raw water needs to be combined in Zone 1, to avoid an excessive reduction in water volume, and the supplied raw water poses a risk to the health of the refugees. The present study provides an example of a drinking water supply system under extreme drought conditions and in the political and social conditions of a refugee camp. Furthermore, it establishes a reference for supplied water allocation and quality in the Sahrawi refugee camps.

Contested language in the making and unmaking of Western Sahara’s extractive economy

Abstract This article considers the battle over resource extraction in the non-self-governing territory of Western Sahara. I analyse how the language of human rights has simultaneously been used by the Moroccan state to justify its extractive operations in the territory while Saharawi refugees use it to challenge these operations. Such competing invocations of human rights generate insight into how rights are made and re-made through configurations of populations, territory, markets, and regulations.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes and associated risk factors among Saharawi refugees in Algeria

Abstract Background The Saharawi refugees have been living in refugee camps in the Algerian desert since 1975 and are dependent on food aid. A double burden of malnutrition by the coexistence of undernutrition among children and overweight and obesity among adults has been observed in the Saharawi refugee camps. Limited knowledge about the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated risk factors exists in this population. The aim of this study was, therefore, to address this gap in the literature. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in five Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria in 2014. A total of 180 women and 175 men were included. HbA1c was used to assess the prevalence of T2D and prediabetes. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) was used to estimate the risk of developing T2D. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to assess risk factors associated with T2D and prediabetes. Results Median (min, max) HbA1c among the Saharawi refugees was 35 (4, 135) mmol/mol. The prevalence of T2D and prediabetes was 7% and 10%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity combined was 45%, and higher in women than in men. According to FINDRISC, 9% of participants had high risk of developing diabetes and 10% had moderate risk. In adjusted models, significant predictors for T2D were age, waist circumference and having a first-degree relative with T2D. Significant predictors for prediabetes were age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and a history of high blood glucose. Conclusions We found moderate prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes and a relatively high prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Saharawi refugees, especially the women. Given the fragility of the Saharawi health care system, screening for diabetes should be conducted in a cost-effective manner and high-risk individuals should receive advice about lifestyle changes (e.g. diet and physical activity). Key messages We found moderate prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes among the Saharawi refugees, and a high proportion were classified as overweight or obese. In light of this, the rates of T2D are likely to increase in the near future. The Saharawi health authorities should pay attention to the increased risk of diabetes in this vulnerable population.

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes and Associated Risk Factors Among Saharawi Refugees (P10-071-19)

ObjectivesEconomic development, globalization and urbanization has resulted in a shift in dietary consumption and energy expenditure in low- and middle-income countries, called the Nutrition Transition. At the same time, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated co-morbidities are rising worldwide. The Saharawi refugees have been living in refugee camps in the Algerian desert since 1975 and are totally dependent on food aid. High prevalence of overweight and obesity has been reported among Saharawi women. Limited knowledge about the prevalence of T2D and associated risk factors exists in this population; therefore, the aim with this study was to address this gap in the literature. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out in five Saharawi refugee camps, in Algeria and 180 women and 175 men were randomly selected. Participants’ blood glucose levels was assessed by HbA1c measurements and diagnosed with diabetes if HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol and prediabetes if HbA1c was between 42–47 mmol/mol. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISK) was used to assess various risk factors for T2D. ResultsMean HbA1c among the Saharawi refugees was 38 mmol/mol. Seven and 15% were diagnosed with T2D and prediabetes, respectively, and 26% and 19% were overweight and obese, respectively. According to FINDRISK, 9% of the participants had high risk of developing diabetes, 10% had moderate risk, 37% had some risk and 44% had low risk. In multiple logistic regression models, after controlling for age, gender, number of children, BMI and education, the strongest predictor for diabetes was waist circumference, OR (95% CI): 1.1 (1.0, 1.1). The strongest predictor for prediabetes was age and waist circumference OR (95% CI): 1.0 (1.0, 1.1) and OR (95% CI): 1.1 (1.0, 1.1), respectively. ConclusionsWe found moderate prevalence of diabetes among the Saharawi refugees; however a high proportion had prediabetes and were suffering from overweight and obesity. In light of this, the rates of T2D are likely to increase dramatically in the near future. The Saharawi health authorities should pay attention to the increased risk of diabetes in this in this vulnerable population. Funding SourcesOslo Metropolitan University.

In the Saharawi Refugee Camps – Graphic Story Telling as a Reciprocal Education-Activating Method

In the Saharawi Refugee Camps – Graphic Story Telling as a Reciprocal Education-Activating Method

High iodine content in local animal milk and risk of exceeding EFSA upper intake level for iodine among Saharawi women.

Excessive iodine intake is a major public health problem in the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria, where animal milk is an important source of iodine. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between iodine concentrations in locally produced animal milk and in animal drinking water and further to assess the risk of exceeding European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) tolerable upper intake level for iodine (600 μg/d) among Saharawi women. In 2009 and 2010, 202 milk samples from goats and sheep and 52 milk samples from camel were collected. Iodine in milk was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, iodine in 56 water samples from the general water system and 54 water samples from wells, was determined by modified Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Animal milk is generally consumed mixed with water. The median (min, max) iodine intake from goat/sheep milk mixed with water in camps with high iodine content in human drinking water was 284 (57, 2889) μg/d and 19% of participants exceeded EFSA upper intake level for iodine. The median (min, max) iodine intake from camel milk mixed with water in all camps was 2100 (210, 11100) and 47% of participants exceeded the EFSA upper intake level. The median (min, max) iodine content in goat/sheep milk from camps with moderate and high iodine content in water was 507 (101, 4791) μg/L and 1612 (487, 9323) μg/L, respectively (p < 0.001). The iodine content in goat/sheep milk was positively associated with iodine content in animal drinking water (regression coefficient, B 5.71, 95% CI 4.03, 7.39). In conclusion, consumption of camel milk and living in camps with high water iodine content increased the risk of exceeding the EFSA upper intake level for iodine. We suggest that purified water for both human and animal consumption should be provided.

International Archives and National Music Competitions: The Preservation of an “Endangered” Musical Heritage in the Saharawi Refugee Camps (Southwest Algeria)

The preservation of cultural practices within the framework of the UNESCO ICH lists has been tied to the protection of cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and community identity. Moreover, it is inextricably linked to questions of national identity, especially given that submissions are made on an (internationally recognised) nation-state basis. This becomes problematic in the case of long-standing unrecognised states, such as the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The protracted refugee status of the Saharawi people—based in refugee camps in the south-western Algerian desert since Morocco occupied their homeland Western Sahara in 1975—is a major obstacle in their struggle for independence. Their recent history of war, occupation, exile and cultural appropriation has threatened the survival of Saharawi musical and poetic practices, as well as restricting their access to international bodies that could provide cultural safeguarding assistance.To address this situation, the Saharawi cultural authorities have collaborated with international organisations (e.g. the Autonomous University of Madrid and the British Library) to create archives of Saharawi poetry and music. In addition, every year they organise large festivals to showcase traditional culture, featuring musical competitions especially aimed at youth. To prepare for these competitions, young people—who have gradually become less aware of the Saharawi Bedouin way of life before exile—are assisted by national musicians and encouraged to research their own traditional music by establishing dialogues with the elders. So far, these measures have had significant short-term impact on the local population, engaging the youth in anecdotal research on their traditional culture; however, due to the Saharawi government’s chronic lack of resources, it has been impossible both to sustain such measures in the long term and to achieve international recognition.Focusing on two case studies—1) the British Library preservation project “Portraits of Saharawi Music” and 2) a music competition during the Saharawi national celebrations in February 2014—this article explores the efforts of the SADR to safeguard their musical heritage using a mix of material (recorded archives) and non-material (oral transmission) strategies. It also analyses the ways in which socio-political interests such as the reinforcement of a self-built national identity have encouraged the need to keep particular styles (e.g. traditional/national music) alive under the label of intangible heritage preservation.

Trace Element Concentrations in Drinking Water and Urine among Saharawi Women and Young Children.

Poor water quality has been reported along with a variety of negative health outcomes in the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria. We assessed the concentration of elements in drinking water and urine in refugee women and children. Twenty-four samples of distributed public drinking water were collected, along with urine samples from 77 women and 296 children. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we analyzed water and urine for 31 and 10 elements, respectively. In addition, the water samples were analyzed for five anions by ion-exchange chromatography. Data were described according to two areas: zone 1 with purified water and water with naturally better quality, and zone 2 with only partially purified water. Most elements in drinking water had significantly higher concentration in zone 2 compared with zone 1. Sodium, chloride, nitrite, and nitrate were the parameters that exceeded the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. Among both women and children, urinary concentration of vanadium, arsenic, selenium, lead, iodine, and uranium exceeded reference values, and most of the elements were significantly higher in zone 2 compared to zone 1. Even though water purification in the Saharawi refugee camps has increased during the last years, some elements are still exceeding the WHO guidelines for drinking water quality. Moreover, urinary exposure of some elements exceeded reference values from the literature. Further effort should be made to improve the water quality among the Saharawi refugees.

Body size perceptions and preferences favor overweight in adult Saharawi refugees

BackgroundCulture affects body image and body size perceptions from an early age and in many African countries, overweight has been associated with richness, health, strength, and fertility. The present study investigated body size perceptions and preferences in an African refugee population.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was comprised of 180 and 175 randomly selected Saharawi women and men, respectively, between 18 and 80 years. Stunkard’s body figure scale was used to identify self-perceived body size, desired body size and desired body size in the opposite gender.ResultsApproximately half of the participants had a correct self-perceived body size; among them 70% did not have a desire to have a smaller body size. Among women who preferred a body size corresponding to overweight in men, 77% also had a desired body size corresponding to overweight; compared to 43% for men. The youngest participants (18–25 years) were the least likely to overestimate their body size in comparison to the older participants (26–45 years and 46–80 years).ConclusionWe found an overall preference for an overweight body size, and a significant difference in body size perception associated with age.

The Transcultural Representation of Saharawi Music by Mariem Hassan and Nubenegra Records

This article examines the process of representation, dissemination, and commodification of Hassan’s music out of the Saharawi refugee camps of the Hamada desert in Algeria through its interaction with a Western record label, Nubenegra, between 2005 and 2012. Through the use of transcultural studies, this article examines both the interaction between Hassan and Nubenegra during the production of the Saharawi artist’s albums Deseos (2005) and Shouka (2010), and how Nubenegra represents Saharawi music through Hassan’s albums in the music industry. This article reveals how the transcultural representation of Saharawi musical culture through Hassan’s music in the West is powerfully negotiated by external agents such as a Western record label and the music industry.

Dietary diversity is related to socioeconomic status among adult Saharawi refugees living in Algeria

BackgroundThere is limited knowledge about dietary quality among the adult population in low- and middle income countries (LMICs). This study aims to describe dietary quality among the adult Saharawi refugee population and to investigate whether dietary quality is associated with socioeconomic status.MethodsIn 2014, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Saharawi refugee camps, Algeria. A three-staged cluster sampling was performed and 180 women and 175 men, aged 18–82 years, were randomly selected. The dietary intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recall and dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated. Socioeconomic status was assessed using the WAMI index (sanitation, assets, education and income).ResultsThe mean DDS among the total sample was 3.8 ± 1.4 and 2/3 of participant were at risk of low dietary adequacy. The main food groups consumed were starchy staple foods, flesh foods, and dairy. Vitamin A-rich dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds and eggs were the food groups least consumed. The multiple regression model showed a positive association between DDS and the WAMI index (P < 0.001) and a negative association between DDS and age (p = 0.01).ConclusionsLow DDS was associated with low socioeconomic status. Programmes to improve the dietary quality among the Saharawi refugees should be implemented.

Infant feeding practices in the Saharawi refugee camps Algeria, a cross-sectional study among children from birth to six months of age.

BackgroundAppropriate breastfeeding and infant feeding practices are crucial to a child’s growth and development. The objective of this paper is to describe breastfeeding and general feeding practices and the nutrition status among children from birth to 6 months of age, in the Saharawi refugee camps located in Algeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among 111 lactating mothers with infants from birth to 6 months of age. Data regarding breastfeeding practices and a 24 h dietary recall for the infants were collected to assess the World Health Organization’s (WHO) indicators for infant and young child feeding. For exclusive and predominant breastfeeding, age disaggregation for each month was applied to the data. Background characteristics from the mothers and infants were collected, together with anthropometrical measures. We explored predictors for breastfeeding and nutrition status in multiple regression models.ResultsIn total 13.8%, 8.2% and 16.5% of the infants were stunted, wasted and underweight, respectively. Approximately 65% initiated breastfeeding within 1 h after birth and 11.7 and 21.6% were exclusively or predominantly breastfed less than 6 months. The most commonly given solid foods were dates (27.0%) and bread (10.8%). In multiple regression models, initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h after birth gave increased probability of exclusive or predominant breastfeeding. Giving birth at home as opposed to in a hospital and increasing number of children gave increased probability of initiating breastfeeding early. Exclusive or predominant breastfeeding seemed to protect against underweight and wasting.ConclusionsExclusively or predominant breastfeeding was low among Saharawi refugee infants. Wasting and underweight was common and more likely to occur if the infants were not exclusively or predominantly breastfed. These findings support the current international breastfeeding recommendations, and suggest that there is an urgent need for promoting infant feeding practices in the Sahara refugee camps.

Thyroid Function among Breastfed Children with Chronically Excessive Iodine Intakes.

Iodine excess may impair thyroid function and trigger adverse health consequences for children. This study aims to describe iodine status among breastfed infants with high iodine exposure in the Saharawi refugee camps Algeria, and further assess thyroid function and iodine status among the children three years later. In 2010, a cross-sectional study among 111 breastfed children aged 0–6 months was performed (baseline study). In 2013, a second cross-sectional study (follow-up study) was conducted among 289 children; 213 newly selected and 76 children retrieved from baseline. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC) were measured at baseline. UIC, thyroid hormones and serum thyroglobulin (Tg) were measured at follow-up. At baseline and follow-up, 88% and 72% had excessive iodine intakes (UIC ≥ 300 µg/L), respectively. At follow-up, 24% had a thyroid hormone disturbance and/or elevated serum Tg, including 9% with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), 4% with elevated fT3 and 14% with elevated Tg. Children with SCH had poorer linear growth and were more likely to be underweight than the children without SCH. Excessive iodine intakes and thyroid disturbances were common among children below four years of age in our study. Further, SCH seemed to be associated with poor growth and weight.

An insight into the drinking-water access in the health institutions at the Saharawi refugee camps in Tindouf (Algeria) after 40 years of conflict

Drinking water access in the Saharawi refugee camps located in the Algerian desert is a challenge that is still an on-going problem after 40years of conflict. This work presents an analysis of the situation with emphasis on the water supply in health institutions (quantity and quality) including both sanitary inspections and a comprehensive water quality study. Results from sanitary inspections show that only half of the water supply installations at the hospitals are in adequate conditions and the rest present high risk of microbiological contamination. Water access in small medical community centres on the other hand present issues related to the non-availability of food-grade water tanks for the institutions (70%), the use of small 10l containers as the main water supply (40%), poor maintenance (60% under antihygienic conditions and 30% with damaged covers), and insufficient chlorine levels that prevent microbiological contamination. Regarding water quality analyses, raw water supply in Smara, El Aiun and Awserd camps present high conductivity and high levels of fluoride, chloride, nitrate and sulphate, but dropping to normal levels within the drinking-water standards after water treatment via reverse osmosis plants. But for the case of El Aiun and Awserd, the reverse osmosis plant only provides treated water to the population each 20days, so the population receives raw water directly and health risks should be evaluated. Finally, Dakhla water supply is the best in terms of physico-chemical parameters quality, currently providing safe drinking water after a chlorination stage. In summary, drinking water access has improved dramatically in the last years due to the efforts of local and international authorities but several issues remain to be solved: access to treated water for all the population, improved water quality controls (especially in Dakhla), expansion of distribution networks, and adequate storage systems and maintenance.

Music and Islam in the Saharawi refugee camps of the Hamada desert, Algeria: the practice of medej as a syncretic musical evolution

ABSTRACTThis article examines the popularisation of medej in the Saharawi refugee camps of Tindouf, Algeria. Traditionally, medej is a religious musical style performed on Thursday evenings in a familiar environment. Medej also serves as an announcement to al jummah (Friday), the day of the week that Muslims are meant to meet at the mosque to listen to the imam’s sermon. However, the youth have popularized medej as a form of singing at weddings or national events in the camps, providing a new social dimension to the religious musical style. As a result, medej is sung in a familiar context and, on the other hand, the youngsters use traditional medej songs for live performances or even to compose new songs in such musical style. This article aims to argue the dichotomy between tradition and the popularisation of medej among the youth. In other words, this article is based on the study of medej as a syncretic and non-static musical genre, popularised in the 1980s during non-religious events in the refugee camps.

PORTRAITS OF SAHARAWI MUSIC: WHEN CULTURAL PRESERVATION MEETS POLITICAL ACTIVISM

Drawing from ethnographic fieldwork done mainly in the Saharawi refugee camps and the development of “Portraits of Saharawi Music” (2013–2014), a collaborative music archiving and research project in partnership with the British Library and the Saharawi Ministry of Culture, this article analyses issues in the political realities for Saharawi refugees from the perspective of the musicians and the cultural authorities in the refugee camps. In addition, it explores methodological and ethical issues derived from the uses of political and cultural activism as an ethnomusicological research method. It examines the interactions of the ideologies, motivations and personal relationships of the researcher, the musicians and the institutions involved in this recording project, focusing on the selection of repertoire as an activist act and the impact of doing advocacy research on an extremely vulnerable social group as the Saharawi refugee community. In agreement with basic principles of social responsibility of academia, it supports the role of “activist researcher”; but it cautions that it is essential for researchers to understand how relations of knowledge and power are produced, perpetuated, and challenged in specific situations of conflict, in order to turn their research into a true collaborative action.

Transnationale Migration – eine dauerhafte Perspektive? Saharauische Flüchtlinge zwischen agency und vulnerability

Transnational migration – a durable solution? Saharawi refugees between agency and vulnerability. Abstract Recently, scholars have advocated transnationalism as a viable and durable solution to displacement, stating that transnational mobility and networks have become an important means of sustaining refugees and, thus, increasing their agency. Drawing on the case of the Saharawi refugee camps, one of the most protracted refugee situations worldwide, this paper takes a critical approach to these assumptions. First, it shows that while transnational migration may strengthen refugees’ agency it is also accompanied by new vulnerabilities. Second, it is argued that favouring transnational migration as a “durable” solution risks normalising the status quo of the Saharawi’s protracted displacement, instead of engaging with solutions for the Western Sahara conflict itself; that is, ending the Moroccan occupation and decolonising Western Sahara. Keywords: agency, durable solutions, impeded decolonisation, refugees’ transnational migration, Saharawi refugee camps, Western Sahara confl ict, vulnerability ----- Schlagworter: dauerhafte Losungen, Handlungsfahigkeit, saharauische Fluchtlingslager, transnationale Migration von Fluchtlingen, verhinderte Dekolonisierung, Vulnerabilitat, Westsahara-Konflikt ----- Bibliographie: Zwick, Maja: Transnationale Migration – eine dauerhafte Perspektive? Saharauische Fluchtlinge zwischen agency und vulnerability, PERIPHERIE, 2-2015, S. 260-280. https://doi.org/10.3224/peripherie.v35i138-139.24299