E/CN.4/2003/66/Add.1 page 24 134. It was also mentioned that the Islamic studies stream served as a last resort when there was no room available in other courses [leading to the baccalaureate]. 135. A reform of the educational system is currently in preparation following a report by a presidential advisory committee. The Government’s programme has two objectives: to prepare children to learn and observe moral and religious principles as part of the values of Algerian civilization, and to prepare them for citizenship, democratic culture, tolerance and dialogue. 136. Parents today are still asking for their daughters to be excused physical education; the national education system does grant dispensations provided a medical certificate is produced, and this does not appear to be an insurmountable obstacle. 3. The role of the media 137. Sporadic incidents notwithstanding, freedom of the press in Algeria is a reality. The press does not stint on criticism - nor, at times, on excess. Excesses may occur even on State television. Most of the media tackle religious questions with a passion and definite stance which would be understandable were they not so apt to favour intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief. Anyone who stands out tends to be portrayed in unflattering terms. The topics of conversion and non-Muslim proselytising tend to be blown up and treated as though they were major threats to the existence of Islam, though Islam is deeply rooted in Algeria. Some of the media also have a tendency to use clichés and stereotypes to convey a simplified and distorted view of Islam that is apt to favour a levelling-down of Islam to the level of Muslims with deep-seated convictions and generally modest religious learning, instead of raising Muslims up to the level of Islam and Islamic values, including those of tolerance and non-discrimination, which, by an effort of intelligence - “I’mal ar-Raï” - will enable Islam to move with the times and adapt to “all ages and all places”. VI. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 138. At the outset, it is worthwhile emphasizing the importance of the visit to Algeria at the invitation of the Algerian Government. As the first of its kind, it bears witness to the Algerian authorities’ willingness to cooperate more closely with the United Nations human rights mechanisms, where an Algerian presence is increasingly in evidence. It is to be hoped that this visit will be followed by visits by other mandate-holders with a view to more sustained dialogue and more fruitful cooperation. Algeria deserves to be better known and understood. 139. During the visit, the Algerian authorities at all levels helped to establish a rewarding and frank dialogue. The visit passed off smoothly and the Special Rapporteur’s freedom of movement was not hindered at any time. The United Nations Development Programme representative in Algiers, political parties, non-governmental organizations and all other informants helped to make the visit a success and make the situation better understood. 140. The visit revealed a number of encouraging aspects, which do not, however, detract from a certain number of genuine problems.