Views expressed by member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome

2. Views expressed by member and observer States
of the Council on the review outcome

506. Tunisia took note of progress made in the field of human rights and congratulated Algeria for the efforts deployed to strengthen human rights protection in the country despite the difficult circumstances it faces, including terrorism. Tunisia noted the choice Algeria has made to achieve national reconciliation and support structural reforms, which are considerable and have covered many areas, including education, health, women and family affairs. Algeria has always ensured the application of international human rights treaties and has reaffirmed its human rights commitments. Tunisia encouraged Algeria in its endeavours and supported new initiatives taken within the universal periodic review context.

507. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the importance Algeria gives to human rights, the Council and the role of human rights in the national policies of the country. It noted the reforms undertaken, in particular regarding the rights of children and women, measures to promote economic, social and cultural rights to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and welcomed the Government’s willingness to pursue the path of national reconciliation, to ensure

social coherence, and its initiative to organize an international conference to discuss links between security and fundamental freedoms. Regarding the outcome of the Working Group, it was optimistic that Algeria would face its challenges.

508. Bahrain welcomed Algeria’s important commitment to the universal periodic review, and welcomed its open and positive attitude during the review. It was highlighted that Algeria has ratified many human rights treaties and protocols thereto and is prepared to fully collaborate within the universal periodic review process, despite all the challenges the country faces. Bahrain expressed in particular support for the national strategy to combat violence against women.

509. Qatar, on behalf of the Arab Group, noted that Algeria is a State based on the rule of law and fundamental freedoms and referred to the initiative to amend the justice system. It welcomed that Algeria has accepted 17 out of 20 recommendations of the Working Group, highlighted its commitment to adopt international treaties, including the Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and to carry out a dialogue with religious minorities, and welcomed its measures to promote the rights of women and children and to guarantee the rights of prisoners.

510. Cuba congratulated Algeria for its commitment to the universal periodic review process and the open and constructive approach throughout it. Cuba noted that the support of Algeria for some of the recommendations made by the Working Group demonstrated its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. Algeria has undertaken a wide range of actions, programmes and legislative reforms aimed at ensuring social equality and participation of all stakeholders in the political and social areas.

511. Nigeria noted that Algeria has already started taking necessary steps towards implementing many of the recommendations it agreed to during the review. It welcomed the various mechanisms put in place to guarantee the protection of the fundamental freedoms and rights of its citizens such as the right to fair trial, freedom of the press, the humanization of conditions of detention, the right to education and other economic and social rights.

512. Indonesia noted that Algeria is party to 10 treaties and 4 regional human rights instruments, which is a proof of the country’s commitment to improving the promotion and protection of human rights. Algeria accepted an important number of the Working Group’s recommendations, mainly in the areas of protection of women and children, the enhancement of its health facilities, the right to education, and is taking necessary steps through policy and legislation for the prevention of torture and other cruel inhuman and degrading treatment. Indonesia encouraged Algeria to provide follow-up to the recommendations of the Working Group. Regarding visits of mandate holders to Algeria, Indonesia noted that the contents of these visits must be factual and not relate to anecdotal events, and must be dictated by the country’s own needs and priorities in the promotion and protection of human rights.

513. Belgium reiterated concern at the deterioration with respect to the situation of freedom of religion and opinion in Algeria and noted with regret that Algeria has not endorsed Belgium’s recommendations in this respect. Reference was made to recent events which had occurred in Tiaret regarding the conviction of four young Algerians for having worshipped in an

unauthorized place on the basis of a decree of 2006 establishing the rules for the exercise of religions other than Islam. Belgium reiterated its request that Algeria ensure respect for the principle of the freedom of religion and opinion by undertaking a review of the text of that decree, and in the meantime to suspend its application.

514. Pakistan thanked Algeria for its comprehensive and elaborate review on the steps taken by Algeria with respect to the promotion and protection of human rights and the recommendations of the Working Group. Algeria is faced with a complex and challenging internal situation and has maintained a delicate balance between the need to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights of its citizens and the need to ensure peace and stability within the society by fighting terrorism. Pakistan expressed appreciation for the open and transparent approach adopted by Algeria during the universal periodic review process. It stated that despite serious challenges, the Algerian model to pursue multidimensional policies to promote sustainable development needs support and encouragement. It also welcomed the initiative to implement a national strategy to combat violence against women.