The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, has called on the Algerian authorities to release prisoners of conscience who are activists in the Hirak movement. During a press conference held at the United Nations headquarters in Algeria, Voule emphasized the need for the Algerian government to abandon charges against those involved in the Hirak movement, recognising it as a turning point in Algeria’s commitment to progress. He also urged the government to ease strict restrictions on gatherings and associations to align with national and international human rights laws.
Voule highlighted that the Algerian civil society faces challenges in creating a conducive civil environment for diverse voices to come together. He stressed that opening up space for critical voices is necessary for improving governance, policy-making, and building a sustainable and inclusive participatory democracy.
Additionally, the UN Special Rapporteur urged the Algerian authorities to provide legal guarantees for the exercise of the right to assembly and association, facilitating the exchange of ideas and collaboration with both domestic and international partners. This should align with Algeria’s commitments under international human rights treaties and its constitutional provisions, while also respecting the goals of the Hirak movement.
SHOAA for Human Rights contributed to the UN Special Rapporteur’s visit by providing detailed recommendations on the state of freedoms in Algeria, particularly focusing on the freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
