NOUAKCHOTT, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Mauritania's Ministry of the Interior and Decentralization on Friday rejected a recent Human Rights Watch report on national measures concerning irregular migrants, saying that it lacks objectivity and credibility and contradicts facts on the ground.
The ministry stressed in a statement that allegations of abuse or mistreatment of migrants are unfounded and not supported by evidence.
According to the statement, Mauritania implements its legal and regulatory framework to combat irregular migration in line with national laws and international conventions on human rights and the protection of migrants.
The ministry noted the opening of five reception and accommodation centers for irregular migrants in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, along with two new centers for those arriving by sea to be operational by the end of September.
The centers are supervised by national agencies using new digital tools to verify identities, and are equipped with basic services, including water, electricity, health units, ambulances, and transport, said the ministry.
It added that the centers have been visited by foreign officials, diplomats, community leaders, and national institutions, all of whom expressed satisfaction with the conditions.
The ministry reaffirmed Mauritania's commitment to human rights and international cooperation on migration management, while rejecting "inaccurate" reports. Combating irregular migration, it said, is a global challenge that requires joint action based on justice and respect for state sovereignty. ■