CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE the South concerns the wilayas of Adrar, Bechar, Biskra, El-Oued, Ghardaïa, Illizi, Laghouat, Ouargla, Tamanrasset and Tindouf. 142. The implementation of low-cost rental housing programmes affects the most disadvantaged sections of society. The unemployment rate, which dropped from 30.7 per cent (1999) to 15.3 per cent (2005) and subsequently to 13.8 per cent (2006), reflects the efforts that have been made in this regard. Similarly, the weighted poverty index has been halved, dropping from 12.8 per cent in 1999 to 5.7 per cent in 2006. 143. Algeria provides almost full cover for workers and their dependants. Social welfare covers risks associated with retirement, disease, maternity, disability, death, occupational accidents, professional diseases, and unemployment. Good Practice 1: National reconciliation and the consolidation of national unity and peace Following a war of liberation characterised by destructive violence affecting the people, infrastructure and environment, Algeria yet again had to deal with the renewed violence of indiscriminate terrorism. It managed to avoid civil war and gradually reduce, within a decade, the climate of violence and barbarism that characterised this unfortunate period. The APR Panel acknowledges the efforts of the Algerian people to restore peace and national concord. The Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation would appear to be an appropriate response to the country‘s particular situation. It covers all the legal, social and financial aspects of the effects of the crisis. Since it came into effect, several terrorist groups have ceased their criminal activities, hundreds of detained persons, who were prosecuted or sentenced for acts associated with terrorism, have been released and a significant number of people have been reintegrated in terms of employment. As the CSAR emphasises, despite several tentative and sporadic attempts by some hardcore terrorists to maintain a situation of insecurity, the general climate of peace in which national reconciliation is taking place, with its roots firmly embedded in the Algerian tradition and culture of tolerance, bears witness to the commitment of the people to peace and their willingness to transcend, in a mutually responsible manner, the effects of the Algerian tragedy and to eradicate the latter fully and definitively. The Panel is aware that this constitutes a major challenge that Algeria has faced with courage, acumen and effectiveness, and congratulates the country on this important initiative. The Panel would encourage all stakeholders to consolidate what has been achieved and ensure the continuation of peace and national unity, which are fundamental conditions for development and prosperity. 144. Generally speaking, the CRM welcomes the significant progress achieved by Algeria in reducing social inequalities and improving people‟s standard of living. Although special efforts have been made in areas that previously would have been a source of popular discontent, thus giving rise to greater feelings of insecurity, it nonetheless remains that the strengthening of peace, cohesion and 63