A/HRC/21/13 precautionary measures could be relaxed to allow citizens to enjoy the full range of possibilities for expressing their views and ideas. 53. The right to freedom of expression was guaranteed since the changes made to the system in 1989. Freedom of expression had also recently been consolidated with the passing of the new 2012 Information Act, which strengthened the protection of journalists and opened up television and radio to the Algerian private sector. With regard to the visit by the Special Rapporteur of the Human Rights Council on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, he noted that the Special Rapporteur had been able to see for himself the total freedom of expression enjoyed by the people of Algeria and the remarkable output of the printed media. The preliminary recommendations issued by the Special Rapporteur, Mr. La Rue, after the visit, had already been taken into account in the drafting of the new Information Act of 2012. 54. With regard to freedom of association, and specifically authorization for the establishment of associations — be they political or not — the conditions had improved under a new law on the subject. The authorities were now obliged to respond to applications within specific deadlines, and denials were subject to appeal in the courts. 55. Turning to the issue of freedom of worship, he referred to the steps taken to better guarantee the exercise of that freedom, which included the regularization of the status of the Protestant Church of Algeria, the authorization for the two Catholic and Protestant associations to import Christian literature and the facilitation of visa procedures for members of religious orders. The high-level meetings that Algeria had organized demonstrated its desire to consider the matter as part of the dialogue among civilizations. 56. The laws passed under the political reforms under way since April 2011 had all been adopted in compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. As the Covenant stipulated that the only acceptable restrictions on the freedoms it established were those for which provision was made in domestic law, Algeria was in compliance. 57. In the light of the importance attached by delegations to the rights of women and children, he highlighted the Algerian authorities’ efforts to increase women’s participation in politics. The constitutional reform of 2008 had paved the way for the latest legislative elections, in which the proportion of seats held by women in the National People’s Assembly had increased fourfold. Women were increasingly involved in civil society organizations, which were a key element in promoting economic and social development. 58. The Minister then gave the floor to another member of the delegation, Ms. Boureghda, who referred to the 2010–2014 National Plan for the Advancement and Integration of Algerian Women, which had two main objectives: to ensure that men and women benefited equally from national development programmes and to help create a favourable climate for the pursuit of sustainable development on the basis of partnership between men and women. Cooperation with United Nations agencies and bilateral partnerships encompassed several programmes, including some addressing gender equality, the empowerment of women, the strengthening of female leadership and the participation of women in public and political life in the context of cooperation with international organizations. She also presented the national strategy to combat violence against women and the measures taken to implement it, which involved the participation of different public agencies and civil society organizations. She illustrated her point with examples of the steps taken to improve the services provided in women’s shelters, outreach points and social rehabilitation centres for women victims of violence. 59. Timor-Leste was confident that the legal, policy and institutional frameworks in Algeria would allow it to consolidate and further enhance its achievements. It underlined concerns raised by civil society on women’s and children’s rights, disparities in education and services in remote areas and youth participation. Timor-Leste made a recommendation. 8 GE.12-14978