CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE national concord through the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation has yet to overcome a number of difficulties. These include the need to reconcile the exigencies of pardon and reparation, as proclaimed by the Charter, with those of truth and justice, concerns that are raised moreover by some associations for the protection of human rights. 145. It is also true that the Commission on Missing Persons will have to deploy efforts to appease tensions that have been noted in certain areas. In the opinion of the president of the Commission, the Algerian state has been forced to acknowledge its civil responsibility (“the state is responsible, but not culpable”) in the disappearance of 6140 persons. Indemnity measures are being developed, together with rehabilitation of those concerned. Nonetheless, in the absence of testimonies and archives, he emphasised that it had not been possible to apply “the principle of truth” so urgently sought by the relatives of the victims and certain associations for the protection of human rights. 146. In sum, Algeria is patiently attempting to rebuild the foundations of a modern state, based on the advent and entrenchment of a civilisation and culture of peace and stability, with due respect for the principles of multi-partyism and democracy. This task is not an easy one, as it proceeds through trial and error. Given the efforts of more than a decade to reduce social inequalities and build a climate of peace and prosperity, it would be a grievous mistake to fail to analyse certain factors that could become, or give rise to, sources of conflict in the long term. 147. The issue of language and socio-cultural diversity remains a real concern for the regions in the centre of Algeria, especially in Small and Grand Kabylie. The demands of the peoples in these regions for Tamazight to be proclaimed the national and official language of Algeria has been a source of conflict, which has sometimes taken the form of public protest. After the events of 2002, Tamazight was proclaimed a national language by the Constitution. 148. Despite the establishment of a High Commission for the Amazighité, with the objective of promoting the Tamazight language, meetings held on the ground indicate that this move is not considered adequate by many stakeholders in this area of the country, who deplore the absence of any marked political will to implement the teaching of Tamazight. 149. As far as the enjoyment of human rights is concerned, the CRM noted that, for certain associations for the protection of human rights and certain political parties, the question of civil and political rights continues to be one of lively concern, despite the establishment of a National Consultative Commission on the Promotion of Human Rights in accordance with the principles of the Paris Declaration. The state of emergency instituted by Presidential Decree 92-44 of 9 February 1992 remains in force in Algeria, and many voices were raised in support of it being lifted. The above Commission was called upon, among other things, to deal with the question of missing persons and the victims of terrorism. However, recriminations still persist around this issue and many families remain dissatisfied about the way it has been handled. 64