Brussels, 14/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN), the Algerian Human Rights League (LADDH), the Partnership of the Families of the Disappeared (CFDA) and the Independent National Union of Public Administration Personnel (SNAPAP) have written to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton and Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Stefan Füle “to inform them of persistent serious human rights violations in Algeria at a time when the country is going through a social and political crisis”. The move comes a few days before the Association Council which is due to take place on the sidelines of the next EU Council meeting in Luxembourg at the end of June.
“Algeria has been the scene of widespread demonstrations and social movements for a number of years”, the groups say, calling on the EU “publicly to call for the end to the repression of peaceful demonstrations in Algeria and thereby to express clearly its support for Algerian independent civil society”. The reforms announced by the authorities “are far from responding to the expectations of Algerian citizens”. The authorities continue to “refuse to recognise the legitimacy of trade union organisations”. The four groups believe that the development of women's rights is crucial for democratic development in Algeria. However, family law in force does not guarantee effective equality between men and women. The four signatory groups are also concerned by the situation on the rights of migrants and refugees in the country and note that some provisions of the 2008 law on conditions of entry, residence and movement for foreigners do not comply with international human rights law and humanitarian law. Despite provisions in the constitution, freedom of worship is still severely restricted and Algerian Christians are arbitrarily imprisoned, the groups claim.
If the EU and its member states do not speak out strongly against the repressions and in support of civil society in Algeria, the credibility of a new European neighbourhood policy (ENP) will be undermined. (F.B./transl.rt)