Algeria and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights 1. Algeria signed the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on 10 April 1984 and ratified the same on 1 March 1987. Algeria presented its initial periodic report at the 19 th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights held in April 1996 in Ouagadougou and presented its second periodic report at the 29th Ordinary Session of the Commission held in Tripoli. The third and fourth periodic reports were presented at the 42nd Ordinary Session of the Commission held in November 2007 in Brazzaville. 2. During the presentation of Algeria’s third and fourth periodic reports, the Algerian delegation underscored the progress made since the presentation of the second periodic report in the areas of consolidating democracy and strengthening the rule of law. The progress made included institutional reforms and strengthening democratic freedoms (justice sector reforms). 3. Algeria has succeeded, despite the challenges relating to the consequences of terrorism, to conclude reforms in the area of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The lifting of the state of emergency in February 2011 led to the implementation of a broad programme of institutional, political and socioeconomic reforms based on a strong determination to increase the exercise of individual and collective freedoms. The reforms are part of efforts to meet the expectations of Algerian citizens in respecting the general interest and national values. The reforms also reflect the commitment of government authorities to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights and freedoms, taking into account the utmost importance that Algeria attaches to these rights and freedoms. 4. Similarly, four organic laws governing the electoral system, political parties, information, and women’s representation in elected Assemblies, as well as laws on associations, the incompatibility of offices and the Wilayas and Commune Codes were drafted, adopted and have entered into force following a pluralistic debate. 4 bis. This report was prepared – following broad consultations bringing together all the relevant parties, by an inter-ministerial working group comprising representatives of the relevant ministries responsible for implementing Algeria’s commitments relating to the African Charter. 5. The report is divided into three parts. Part one addresses the recommendations of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Part two is entitled “Data and information on the general framework for human rights promotion and protection in Algeria” and outlines the human rights promotion and protection framework. Part three contains updated information on Algeria’s implementation of the African Charter (article by article). 5