The Algerian Red Crescent (ARC) has issued a clarifying statement following the circulation of a video on social media featuring a young woman who previously resided at the ARC’s children’s village in Dely Ibrahim. The statement addresses concerns raised in the video and outlines the organization’s policies and actions regarding former residents.
According to the ARC, its children’s villages are legally mandated to provide care and shelter only to minors. “Legally, we are only allowed to house minors, and therefore, we are not legally authorized to house adults,” the statement emphasized. However, the ARC acknowledged that, in practice, they have extended support to numerous young adults who have exceeded the legal age limit, including the woman featured in the video, who was reportedly assisted until the age of 26. The organization claims they strive to provide employment opportunities and support these individuals even after they leave the village.
The statement further explained that the woman in question was eventually provided with housing, along with other women over the age of 25, due to her non-compliance with the village’s internal regulations. However, disagreements arose, leading to her eviction. The ARC then readmitted her, but she subsequently left the village and her employment without notifying the organization.
The Algerian Red Crescent highlighted the challenges of housing individuals who have reached adulthood, while emphasizing their commitment to providing job opportunities and covering the first year’s rent, and sometimes up to two years, after they leave the village. The statement also noted that the woman is not an orphan and has family members who have declined to take her in, citing their own reasons.
The ARC emphasized that the presence of young adults who are no longer minors (the woman is 27 years old) and their failure to adhere to the village’s internal rules can negatively impact the well-being of the younger children residing there. The safety and psychological comfort of these children remain the organization’s top priority.
The statement asserted that the ARC has acted with flexibility, humanity, and tolerance, exceeding its legal obligations to ensure that no young woman is left without support. The organization expressed its disappointment that this understanding has been met with “irresponsible behavior and distortion of the facts on social media.” The Algerian Red Crescent maintains that the video does not accurately reflect the situation and that the organization has upheld the law and adhered to humanitarian values throughout its involvement with the woman. The ARC reiterated that its sole objective is to protect minor children and ensure a safe environment for them.
The Algerian Red Crescent has reserved the right to pursue legal action against anyone who damages the organization’s reputation. This statement aims to clarify the situation and reaffirm the ARC’s commitment to its mission of serving vulnerable populations in Algeria, particularly children in need of care and protection. Keywords: Algerian Red Crescent, children’s village, social media, allegations, clarification, Algeria, humanitarian aid, minors, support, housing.
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Source: External reference
