A/HRC/8/52 page 171 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