A/HRC/34/33 Nice treaties. The framework emphasized the importance of regular monitoring and the role of the European Commission to act preventively. 31. Ms. Lim noted that, in the Human Rights Council, human rights concerns were often discussed, but less attention was drawn to good practices in different countries that could help to address the challenges identified. In her view, the workshop provided a good platform for such an exchange. IV. Second dialogue: designing policies with special attention to the needs of vulnerable groups 32. The Chief of the Development and Economic Issues Branch of OHCHR opened the second dialogue, noting that the focus would be on identifying groups that needed particular attention, and on their rights be advanced and their voice brought into policymaking. He stated that a normative framework was the basis for this endeavour, and invited the panel to explore how meaning could be given to these legal obligations, so that no one would be left behind. 33. Mohamed Boulaa, Professor at the University of Oran, Algeria, underlined the role of the State in protecting vulnerable groups in accordance with their international human rights obligations. The role required Governments to adjust their policies to guarantee rights and freedoms and to improve the status of the groups. Algeria had followed this path by ratifying all major international human rights instruments, including the conventions on the rights of children, women, migrants and persons with disabilities. While Algeria had adopted these obligations with some reservations, it had always presented alternatives to ensure full coverage and application. It had also met its obligations to report to and implement the recommendations of international human rights mechanisms, including the treaty bodies, the special procedures and the universal periodic review. Algeria had integrated its international human rights commitments into national law on the understanding that international obligations supersede national laws. New laws were drafted in accordance with international human rights standards, while existing legislation was amended to meet those requirements. Importantly, international human rights law had to be applied by judges in a consistent and uniform manner. International human rights law and international humanitarian law were also taught at Algerian universities. The constitutional amendment made in 2016 was the latest demonstration of the State’s commitment to human rights, as it included articles ensuring gender equality in elected assemblies and the labour market. The Constitution forbade children under the age of 16 years from working. Algeria also had legal guarantees for the rights of persons with disabilities in their access to the job market. 34. The Chief of the Development and Economic Issues Branch, Craig Mokhiber, thanked Mr. Boulaa for highlighting the value of basing policies on international conventions and using international mechanisms for advice and guidance. 35. The discussant Sara Sekkenes, a partnerships adviser with UNDP Geneva, agreed with Mr. Boulaa’s assessment of the recommendations made by international human rights mechanisms as valuable guidance for policymaking. She noted that a human rights-based approach was not only about integrating the contents of human rights standards and recommendations into programmes and policies; it was a reminder that, in order to mainstream human rights effectively, a principled approach was required; specifically, ensuring that efforts adhered to the principles of non-discrimination, participation and accountability. UNDP had integrated a human rights-based approach into its programmes, as had been demonstrated by the social and environmental standards approved in 2015. 8