Statement by the Choua Organization on France and Algeria’s Failure to Cooperate with UN Bodies on Nuclear Testing in the Sahara

Last week, specifically on Tuesday, November 12, two letters sent by UN experts to the Algerian and French governments on September 13 were declassified. These letters, issued under the mandates entrusted to these experts by the Human Rights Council, addressed French nuclear tests conducted in the Algerian Sahara between 1960 and 1966, along with their impacts on human rights and the environment. To date, neither party has responded to the experts’ inquiries.

The letters were authored by the Special Rapporteur on human rights and hazardous substances, Dr. Marcos Orellana; the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence, Prof. Fabian Salvioli; and the Independent Expert on the rights of older persons, Ms. Claudia Mahler.

The UN experts expressed serious concerns to the French government about the severe health consequences for local populations, which continue to affect multiple generations. They also criticized the lack of access for victims to comprehensive information about the nuclear tests, including the precise locations of test sites and contaminated areas where radioactive waste has been discovered. The experts requested that the French government provide all relevant information and data regarding its nuclear tests in Algeria, including the specific locations of radioactive waste, and clarify whether this information had been fully and transparently disclosed to Algeria, concerned rights holders, and stakeholders. Furthermore, they demanded clarification on how victims of the nuclear tests have been informed about their rights and the compensation mechanisms provided by France. The experts also questioned whether France was prepared to issue a formal apology to Algeria and the communities affected by these tests.

The experts similarly expressed concerns about the Algerian government’s failure to monitor health measures, rehabilitate affected areas, and seek the necessary international assistance for this purpose. They also highlighted the lack of comprehensive information provided by Algerian authorities to affected populations regarding the ongoing risks and consequences of the nuclear tests. The absence of independent victim support organizations in Algeria was also noted as a significant concern. The experts urged the Algerian government to clarify what actions had been taken to properly inform the population about the ongoing risks from the nuclear tests and what measures were in place to prevent further harm. They also inquired about the extent of civil society involvement in efforts to address the aftermath of the disaster.

Aligned with its principles, the Choua Organization has made significant advocacy efforts to highlight the issue of French nuclear tests in Algeria. Through communication with UN rapporteurs and experts, the case has been reintroduced to international bodies to clarify responsibilities regarding the ongoing damage caused by these nuclear tests in the Algerian Sahara. However, the silence of both governments in response to the experts’ letters demonstrates a glaring lack of cooperation.

The Choua Organization had expected the Algerian government, as the primary affected party, to respond promptly to the letter within the first week of its receipt. This expectation was particularly high given that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has frequently addressed the issue of historical memory, including nuclear tests, and criticized France for failing to fully assume its responsibilities. In a statement on October 5, 2024, President Tebboune declared, “If France wants serious relations with us, it must come down here and clean up the sites where it conducted its nuclear tests.” However, the Algerian authorities’ failure to respond to the letter was entirely unexpected and points to a disconnect between public statements and the concrete actions needed to address this issue. Furthermore, restrictions on affected populations and environmental activists addressing this matter highlight contradictions in Algeria’s official position.

In light of this, the Choua Organization expresses its deep dissatisfaction with the lack of responses from both governments. It considers their failure to address the experts’ letters a clear dereliction of their obligation to cooperate with UN bodies, despite the importance and sensitivity of this issue.

Choua calls on the French government to collaborate with UN bodies on the issue of its nuclear tests in the Algerian Sahara, to take responsibility for this “ongoing disaster,” including declassifying related secret documents and compensating victims. The organization also urges France to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as a gesture of goodwill in addressing the consequences of its nuclear tests in Algeria.

Similarly, Choua calls on the Algerian government to cooperate with UN bodies on this matter, to provide comprehensive information to affected populations about the ongoing risks, and to facilitate the work of environmental and health organizations. It emphasizes the right of civil society to access information to strengthen national and international efforts in addressing the disaster of French nuclear explosions in Algeria. Finally, the Choua Organization urges Algeria to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.