U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Algeria 41st Session, November 11, 2022 As delivered by Kaitlin Sandin
November 14, 2022
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United States welcomes the distinguished Algerian delegation. We also welcome Algeria to the Human Rights Council.We recommend that Algeria:
- Repeal amendments to Article 87 bis of the penal code, which established an overly broad definition of terrorism, and release journalists, human rights defenders, and others held under these provisions.
- Cease harassment and imprisonment of journalists and human rights defenders and remove language criminalizing actions that “undermine national unity” in Article 95 bis, defamation provisions of 144 bis, and “false information” provisions of 196 bis.
- Update the association law consistent with the rights afforded in the constitution and remove restrictions on international funding for and cooperation with Algerian civil society organizations included in Law 12-06.
Overly broad provisions in the penal code undermine freedom of expression for Algerians.
We wish Algeria a successful UPR. I thank you.
Source: U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Geneva and The United Nations Human Rights Council WebTV
