Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 41st Session

Universal Periodic Review of Algeria

Statement by Australia

11 November 2022

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia welcomes Algeria’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process, and notes Algeria’s acceptance of most recommendations brought forward during the third round in 2017.

However, Australia is concerned by reports Algerians are not able to fully exercise rights of expression, association, assembly, and belief as enshrined in the Constitution.

Australia recommends that Algeria:

1. Take further measures to guarantee the rights of expression, association, assembly, and belief, including through reforming Articles 87, 97 and 98 of the penal code to ensure they cannot be used to justify the arrest of religious minorities, journalists and peaceful protestors.
2. Formally abolish the death penalty, with a view to ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
3. Ensure women’s equal rights to inheritance, marriage, divorce and child custody.
4. Amend the Penal Code to de-criminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts, and introduce legislation to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

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