A/HRC/36/13 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-seventh session from 1 to 12 May 2017. The review of Algeria was held at the 12th meeting, on 8 May 2017. The delegation of Algeria was headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ramtane Lamamra. At its 17th meeting, held on 11 May 2017, the Working Group adopted the report on Algeria. 2. On 13 February 2017, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Algeria: China, Slovenia and Togo. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Algeria: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/27/DZA/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/27/DZA/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/27/DZA/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Liechtenstein, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Algeria through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. In his introductory statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation thanked all participating countries for their interest and explained that the report had been prepared by an interdisciplinary working group, with the involvement of civil society. 6. In Algeria, democratization was reflected in the regular holding of free and transparent elections, diversity of the membership of the parliament (with 36 political parties and 20 independent parliamentarians), democratic functioning of institutions, free expression of opinions and a flourishing civil society. 7. The adoption of two laws in 2012 had led to an increase in the number of registered political parties (71) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) (more than 100,000). Freedom of association was exercised by 65 trade union organizations and through a tripartite meeting that allowed the Government, employers and trade unions to review and agree on consensual arrangements to safeguard employment, strengthen social protection and enhance competitiveness. 8. The freedoms of assembly and demonstration were regularly exercised throughout Algeria. A measure that applied on an exceptional basis to public demonstrations in Algiers had been adopted to preserve public order and safety. 9. The Algerian press — with 142 daily, 43 weekly and 90 monthly periodicals — was unanimously recognized as one of the freest in the region. Censorship did not exist, nor was there a monopoly on printing. 10. The Minister referred to the establishment on 9 March 2017 of the National Human Rights Council, which was a constitutional body composed mainly of civil society 2 GE.17-12216