A/HRC/ 8/29
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63. The Netherlands recommended the updating of legislation regarding the situation of women,
such as the Family Code in the areas of divorce, testimony and inheritance. In relation to Law
No. 90-07 on freedom of expression, it recommended the drafting of a follow-up report with a view
to further strengthening domestic laws on freedom of expression. Finally, it recommended further
cooperation with special procedures.
64. Nigeria requested the delegation to provide more information on steps aimed at the realization
of economic, social and cultural rights as a means of achieving MDGs by 2015. It also enquired
about Algeria’s strategy for addressing the phenomenon of terrorism while preserving civil
liberties, constraints in this regard, and international assistance available. By way of
recommendation, it encouraged Algeria to continue to promote women’s rights and poverty
reduction.
65. Indonesia welcomed provisions in the Constitution on compulsory education for all between
the ages of 6 and 16 years. Indonesia sought clarification regarding steps to address the issues of
migration at the regional and international level, as well as on measures adopted to promote
employment, implement a social safety net, and uphold solidarity particularly towards the most
vulnerable groups.
66. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the adoption of the Charter on Peace and National Reconciliation,
which has proved that final peace could be achieved in the country. It invited Algeria to share its
experience in consolidating civil efforts in institution-building and constitutional efforts in this
regard.
67. In a reply to the numerous questions, the Minister stated that, should information contained in
the national report be insufficient, Algeria would be eager to continue the dialogue with the
Working Group. Algeria was confident to respect the year 2015 deadline of the Millennium
Development Goals, as recognized by international organizations such as the World Bank. The
process of ratification of the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance required numerous consultations, but it should be achieved in due course. With
regard to requests for visits by special procedures mandate holders, Algeria will never reject such
requests, but it will insist that the contents of these visits be factual and not related to anecdotal or
occasional events. Article 32 of the Algerian Constitution guarantees the individual or collective
defence of human rights and article 41 defines the area of application: freedom of expression,
association and assembly. Modalities are fixed and exercise regulated, e.g. deadlines to deposit
requests for assemblies and meetings, like the meetings held in 2007 on national and municipal
elections. Article 41 also favours the modernization of communication, pluralism of the media
scene, creating regional TV stations and promoting competition between TV programmes and
channels. Furthermore, journalists were invited to create their own associations and unions. Women
rights were reinforced in 2007 through increased protection in the field of economic and social
rights, like the suppression of certain obstacles in the work environment, assistance to women in
danger, and criminalization of marital violence. While marital rape is covered by the Criminal
Code, the law tends not to interfere with marital life. On torture, ill-treatment and custody, the
representative of Algeria stated that inspections are systematically made by the office of the
Attorney - General (Parquet), and by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) since
the agreement of cooperation it concluded with the Ministry of Justice. Regular inspections concern
legal aspects, but also conditions of detention. Around 30 cases of ill-treatment have been reported
in the last years, all of which have been investigated and prosecuted.
68. The preparation of the national report was carried out in accordance with the guidelines of
Human Rights Council resolution 5/1. Following preliminary consultations and comments on the
draft, civil society provided original contributions on women, children and disabled persons.
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