E/CN.4/2003/66/Add.1 page 4 Introduction 1. This report has been drawn up pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolution 2002/40 of 23 April 2002. It presents and discusses information gathered during a mission paid to Algeria, at the invitation of the Algerian Government, from 16 to 26 September 2002. 2. The mission provided an opportunity to visit Algiers (from 16 to 20 and from 23 to 26 September), Constantine (on 21 September) and Oran (on 22 September). 3. As Special Rapporteur, I should like to thank the Algerian authorities warmly for having invited me, and to express my gratitude to the Algerian Government for the cooperation extended to me in the fulfilment of my mandate. This visit was the first paid by a special rapporteur to Algeria. It is indicative of a willingness to cooperate with machinery for the protection and promotion of human rights that should be applauded, emphasized and nourished. 4. During the visit, the Special Rapporteur had interviews with the following figures in Government: the Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, the Minister of National Education, the Minister of Culture and Communication, the Minister responsible for the family and the status of women, the Director of Public Liberties (Ministry of the Interior), and the Walis and regional directors of religious affairs for the wilayas of Constantine and Oran. 5. There were also meetings with the Chairman of the High Islamic Council, representatives of the parliamentary groups of the National Liberation Front (FLN), the Society for Peace Movement (MSP, formerly Hamas), the Islah Movement and the Workers’ Party. For technical reasons it was not possible to meet representatives of the National Democratic Union (RND). Meetings were also held with officials of political parties not represented in Parliament. 6. Visits were paid to Islamic and Christian places of worship, university institutions and Christian charities. Discussions were held with members of the National Advisory Committee on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, representatives of religious and faith-based communities, representatives of non-governmental organizations, journalists, academics and a number of public figures. Owing to a lack of time and opportunity, it was not possible to meet other people who might have shed further light on freedom of religion or belief; it should be understood that the Special Rapporteur’s pursuit of his agenda and his freedom of movement were not at any point obstructed. 7. After a brief description of Algeria, this report will discuss the legal and political setting within which freedom of religion or belief is exercised. It will then address the question of freedom of belief and religious observance, the status of women, and the prevention of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief. I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ALGERIA 8. In surface area (2,381,741 sq km), Algeria is the tenth largest country in the world. With a population of 30 million, it is a young country: almost 35 per cent of the population is