The organisation takes no position on independence; it criticises insufficient safeguards in the current framework. This is a documented human-rights position, distinct from a UN decision. The central issue is who takes part in consultation, on what proposal, and with what genuine ability to accept or reject it.
The humanitarian dimension persists: agencies use an estimate of about 173,600 refugees in five camps near Tindouf, not an agreed electoral census. The 2026–2027 humanitarian plan describes food, water, health and education needs worsened by funding shortages. UNHCR works with Algerian authorities and Sahrawi structures; Polisario’s administrative role does not remove the host country’s protection responsibilities.
A settlement would need to address voluntary return, security, family reunification, missing persons, women’s and young people’s rights, and individual remedies separately. The camps should not be confused with cities of the same names in the Moroccan Sahara.