CIVICUS speaks about the ongoing repression of dissent in Algeria with Rachid Aouine, Director for SHOAA for Human Rights.
SHOAA for Human Rights is an independent civil society organisation (CSO) aimed at supporting and protecting human rights in Algeria. Founded in 2020 and based in London, UK, it raises awareness of human rights and monitors, documents and denounces state abuses of rights.
What’s the current situation for civil society in Algeria?
Algeria’s seen an unprecedented increase in repression, particularly targeting freedoms of peaceful assembly and association. The authorities are employing a range of tactics to silence dissent, including legal amendments and new laws that broaden the scope of offences related to public order disturbances and activities deemed to threaten national security.
Activists and journalists face criminal charges for the ‘dissemination of false information’ and ‘incitement to unarmed gatherings’. Concerns arise with the introduction of terrorism charges under article 87 bis of the Penal Code, which could target peaceful activists advocating for governance changes. Widespread abuse of pretrial detention contrary to the presumption of innocence has become the norm.
The suppression of critical associations, restrictions on political parties and limitations of academic freedom contribute to widespread repression and further reflect that Algeria doesn’t comply with the provisions of the international human rights treaties and conventions it’s ratified. In summary, Algerian authorities are using legislative measures to curb dissent, restrict fundamental rights and limit the activities of civil society, political parties and academics.
Is it still possible for independent CSOs to work in Algeria?
Independent CSOs face significant challenges due to legal restrictions and government actions. Associations Law No. 12-06 imposes stringent regulations, requiring official authorisation for CSOs to operate and penalties for unregistered or suspended associations up to imprisonment. The dissolution of associations and political parties further narrows the space for independent civil society. State restrictions on foreign funding further endanger the financial sustainability of CSOs.
Activists encounter arrest, detention and conviction, fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship. This has led to a more cautious approach that has affected the vibrancy of civil society.
Despite these challenges, some CSOs continue to operate in Algeria and persist in advocating for causes under government scrutiny. Most, however, have had to move abroad to evade direct pressure and legal constraints.
Overall, the environment poses difficulties, if not making it impossible, for independent CSOs to operate.
How does SHOAA for Human Rights help Algerian activists under threat?
Our multifaceted support system encompasses an array of strategies. We collaborate with international human rights organisations, United Nations (UN) treaty bodies and other international institutions to draw attention to rights violations in Algeria and ensure activists are protected under international standards. We also collaborate with Algerian diaspora organisations and activists both inside and outside Algeria to meticulously document human rights abuses, including arrests and unfair trials. This documentation serves as a foundation for robust advocacy and awareness campaigns.
Cooperation with Algerian human rights lawyers and international legal experts is key to ensuring that activists have proper legal representation when prosecuted. The establishment of safe havens and support networks is critical for activists facing immediate threats in Algeria. To that end, we collaborate with international organisations and governments willing to provide political refuge. We also engage in capacity development to empower activists with the knowledge and skills to navigate legal challenges effectively.
How has Algerian civil society reacted to the pressure?
In response to increased repression, Algerian civil society has demonstrated resilience by mobilising and presenting a unified front. We have engaged in collective advocacy, as evidenced by the detailed recommendations submitted to two UN Special Rapporteurs during their country visits to Algeria.
Civil society has taken a coordinated approach to improve legal frameworks. Our unified set of demands includes calls for legal reforms, the release of detainees, investigations into human rights abuses and the protection of fundamental freedoms such as the rights to assembly and association. This cohesive agenda indicates alignment among different segments of civil society.
To foster international solidarity, we’ve built alliances with the Algerian diaspora and global activist communities. Through joint campaigns, initiatives and collaborative efforts, we amplify our collective voice and exert pressure on the Algerian government to uphold human rights. This reflects a strategic collaboration in search of international support and intervention in response to the challenges faced domestically.
These efforts convey a strong sense of solidarity among the Algerian people, emphasising their collective desire for the respect of constitutional provisions and international treaties and conventions. This unity underscores a shared commitment to human rights and democratic values, despite the challenges posed by governmental repression. Our endeavours depict a narrative of resilience and concerted action toward positive change.
What are your most urgent demands to the Algerian government?
Algerian civil society, operating in and outside Algeria, aspires to a series of legal, institutional and procedural changes to foster a more democratic and rights-centred environment.
We urge the government to align the Penal Code with the international human rights standards set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that Algeria has ratified. We urge a revision of Associations Law No. 12-06 to safeguard the rights to freedoms of assembly and association. It is imperative to stop attacks on civil society and political parties and rehabilitate bodies that have been suspended or dissolved. In seeking revisions to Law No. 23-02 and Law No. 23-08, we aim to ensure the protection of trade union rights and the right to strike. We also advocate for an amendment to Article 87 bis in the Anti-Terrorism Law to define acts of terrorism, in compliance with international human rights law.
Other pressing demands include the immediate and unconditional release of detainees held under laws conflicting with international human rights standards and the investigation of detention conditions, including in military prisons. To ensure transparency and justice, civil society calls for the public release of findings of investigations into incidents during peaceful assemblies, along with financial compensation for affected families. We demand accountability. Those responsible for torture, violence and deaths of protesters must be brought to justice to prevent the recurrence of abuses. We also call for the implementation of robust human rights monitoring practices by human rights CSOs.
What international support does Algerian civil society need?
Algerian civil society actively seeks international support to achieve compliance with constitutional and treaty obligations, advocate for legal reforms and ensure the release of political prisoners, as well as accountability for perpetrators.
The international community must exert diplomatic pressure on Algerian authorities to foster constitutional adherence and respect for fundamental rights. Support is necessary to align the Penal Code with international human rights standards and reform laws related to freedoms of assembly and association and trade union rights. International advocacy for the release of detainees subjected to arbitrary arrests, unfair trials and other forms of repression is crucial, along with accountability for human rights violations. This could be achieved through joint submissions to the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review process and cooperation with UN special mandate holders.
Algerian civil society, particularly human rights CSOs, also needs international financial aid to sustain its activities, while ensuring that national legislation doesn’t incriminate organisations receiving support.
In sum, international solidarity should encompass diplomatic pressure, advocacy efforts, financial assistance, collaboration with local civil society activists, media coverage and public awareness campaigns.
Civic space in Algeria is rated ‘repressed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor.
Get in touch with SHOAA for Human Rights through its website or its Facebook page, and follow @shoaa_org on Twitter.
