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e-2305 (Foreign affairs)
- Keywords
- Algeria
- Civil and human rights
- Foreign policy
Original language of petition: French
Petition to the House of Commons
- Since February 22, 2019, the Algerian people have been peacefully demonstrating their opposition to a militarized, authoritarian system;
- Millions of demonstrators are expressing their desire to establish a state governed by the rule of law that guarantees individual and collective rights, social justice and equality among citizens;
- Many attempts have been made to divide and manipulate this movement and restrict its rights of expression and assembly, including widespread attacks and hate campaigns on social media, the muzzling and closure of media outlets, and the intimidation of demonstrators, public figures and opponents of the system;
- The military-security regime is exercising repression and has been making arbitrary arrests since the beginning of summer, detaining more than 100 individuals for carrying an Amazigh (Berber) flag, chanting slogans or expressing an opinion;
- Many of these detainees are being held without trial and others have been given harsh sentences; and
- Detainees are thrown into prisons where prisoners of conscience and political prisoners convicted by special or military courts have been languishing for years.
Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Canada maintains close ties with Algeria and strongly supports democracy, stability and prosperity in the country. Canada has been closely following the situation in Algeria since the beginning of the popular protest movement in February 2019. In March 2019, Global Affairs Canada issued a statement affirming Canada's support for democratic, free and fair elections in Algeria. Canada remains concerned about reports published by human rights organizations detailing the arrest or detention of individuals who have participated in demonstrations or expressed political views. Canada recognizes the rights of Algerians to freedom of peaceful assembly, opinion and expression, as guaranteed by the Algerian constitution. Canada has taken note of the expression of openness by the new Algerian government since the presidential election in December 2019 and the formation of the new government in January 2020. Canada encourages constructive dialogue among Algerians, with a view to a secure and prosperous future, and reinforces this message in its discussions with the Algerian government. The promotion and protection of human rights and democratic values has always been at the forefront of Canadian foreign policy. Through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives managed by the Embassy of Canada to Algeria, Canada supports projects and organizations that promote democracy, respect for human rights and inclusive and responsible governance.
- Open for signature
- November 19, 2019, at 10:15 a.m. (EDT)
- Closed for signature
- January 18, 2020, at 10:15 a.m. (EDT)
- Presented to the House of Commons
-
Alexandre Boulerice
(Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie)
February 19, 2020 (Petition No. 431-00088) - Government response tabled
- April 11, 2020
