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Bladehane, speaking on behalf of the Algerian delegation, expressed gratitude for Lawlor’s visit to Algeria, shortly after the visit by Clément Voule, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

In this regard, he said that these two visits “highlight Algeria’s commitment to building robust, transparent and engaged cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms.”

He continued, “they also mirror Algeria’s reaffirmed commitment to protecting and promoting human rights in Algeria—a cornerstone of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s program.”

Algeria’s Permanent Representative noted that the candid and productive discussions during Lawlor’s visit to Algeria resolved some ambiguities and fostered greater mutual understanding.

“We have duly noted the conclusions of your report and are fully aware of the challenges that need to be addressed. That said, I would like to build on the response previously submitted by the Algerian Government, and in the spirit of constructive exchange and enriching dialogue, offer the following clarifications regarding certain points raised in your report,” he said.

In response to the claim that Algeria lacks a framework to protect human rights defenders, Bladehane pointed out that the 2020 constitutional amendment ensures “an environment conducive to the expression and action of human rights defenders, in line with international practices.”

The establishment of the Mediator of the Republic institution in 2021, serving as a channel of communication between citizens and public institutions, “shows the resolve of the highest authorities to bolster the safeguarding of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he added.

Bladehane noted that “although there is no specific law for human rights defenders—potentially risking a hierarchy among citizens—the Algerian legal and institutional framework fully guarantees the rights and freedoms necessary for their activities.”

Regarding the protection of fundamental freedoms, he referred to Articles 19 and 20 of the Constitution, which “guarantee the freedoms of association, expression, public intervention, assembly, as well as trade union rights and the right to strike.”

Bladehane further said that the new law on the exercise of trade union rights represents “a complete overhaul of the legal standards governing the establishment and functioning of trade unions, union freedom and the practice of union rights, in accordance with the provisions of ILO conventions and the two Covenants.”

Regarding journalists, Algeria’s representative underscored that the organic law on information protects them from any form of violence or insults while carrying out or in connection with their profession. He stressed that there have been no recorded instances of repression or sanctions targeting journalists, bloggers, media outlets or individuals due to the content of their written, audiovisual or digital publications.

In this respect, he said that the rare cases of prosecutions or accusations mentioned in the report fall exclusively under common law, involving matters that are in no way connected to freedom of expression or the practice of journalism.

Regarding Algerian legislation on combating terrorism, Bladehane emphasized that “in the absence of a universal definition of a terrorist act, it aligns perfectly with the Security Council resolutions, namely 1566, 1717, and 2368.”

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