Algeria: first visit by UN expert on freedom of opinion and expression

GENEVA (8 April 2011) - The UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, will undertake his first visit to Algeria from 10 to 17 April 2011, at the invitation of the Government.

“This mission will provide me with an opportunity to better understand issues concerning freedom of opinion and expression in Algeria, by allowing me to collect first hand information from the people concerned,” said the independent human rights expert, who will travel to Algiers and Oran.

During his visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with Government officials, representatives of the judiciary, legislature, media, civil society, United Nations system and other international organizations based in Algeria.

A press conference shall be held on Sunday, 17 April, in Algiers, during which the Special Rapporteur will share his preliminary comments and recommendations. Details about the venue and time of the press conference will be announced later by the United Nations Office in Algiers.

Based on information gathered during the visit, Mr. La Rue will present a report containing its final observations and recommendations at a future session of the Human Rights Council.

Frank La Rue was appointed as Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression in June 2008 by the Human Rights Council for an initial period of three years. As Special Rapporteur, he is independent from any Government or organization and serves in his individual capacity.

For more information on the mandate of the Special Rapporteur : http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/opinion/index.htm

OHCHR Country Page – Algeria: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/countries/MENARegion/Pages/DZIndex.aspx

For more information and media requests, please contact Mr. Guillaume Pfeifflé (Tel: +41 797 520 485 / email: gpfeiffle@ohchr.org)