Norwegian recommendations in UPR on Algeria 29 May
Norway warmly welcomes the delegation of Algeria.
We recognize the active role played by Algeria in the Human Rights Council, and would like to highlight and express our appreciation for Algeria’s support to the human rights mainstreaming agenda in the UN.
Algeria’s decision to lift the state of emergency in 2011 was an important decision that we fully support. We note however that restrictions continue to apply. We recommend that Algeria lifts restrictions on the right to freedom of assembly, in line with the ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights).
Norway welcomes Algeria’s moratorium on the death penalty and its co- sponsorship to the UN General Assembly resolution calling for a global moratorium on the death penalty. However, death sentences continue to be pronounced even if they are not executed. We recommend Algeria to take all necessary measures to abolish the death penalty and ratify the second optional protocol to the ICCPR.
Norway takes note of and welcomes the result of the recent parliamentary election in Algeria where women got 31 % of the seats. At the same time, Norway shares the view of the CEDAW committee concerning Algeria’s reservations to the CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women). We recommend Algeria to undertake legislative reforms, especially of the Family code, to allow it to withdraw all its reservations to the CEDAW. We hope that the recent parliamentary elections will enable Algeria to undertake such reforms.
Finally, Norway recommends Algeria to elaborate a timeframe for visits by the UN Special Procedures who have requested to visit Algeria, and extend invitations accordingly.
Norway’s Advance Questions for Algeria
1. Algeria accepted the recommendation from the United Kingdom during the last round of UPR- hearings “To strengthen its efforts to protect women’s rights; including by addressing cultural and social barriers; as well as legal ones”. Which steps are taken to realize this recommendation? What is the timeline the Government foresees in this issue?
2. During the last round of UPR hearings Algeria accepted the recommendation from Brazil “To facilitate visits by human rights mandate holders”. In 2011 however Algeria failed to invite five of the special procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council that had requested to visit the country. What is the explanation for not accepting the requests? Will the mandate holders be invited to Algeria in the near future?
3. Algeria has lifted the state of emergency, but there are still restrictions on freedom of assembly. Does the Government of Algeria plan to lift these restrictions?
4. Many persons were reportedly subject to enforced disappearances during the 1990s. Which steps are taken by the Government of Algeria to provide accounts of the disappearances?