CNDH: les rencontres périodiques avec la société civile, une opportunité pour diffuser et promouvoir la culture des droits de l'homme
M’SILA, Algeria – Abdelmadjid Zaalani, the President of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), emphasized on Wednesday that the periodic meetings between Council members and civil society actors serve as an "opportunity to disseminate and promote a culture of human rights." He stated that these gatherings are intended to bridge the CNDH with civil society stakeholders to discuss their concerns across various areas and address them collaboratively with local authorities. Zaalani highlighted the importance of raising awareness among civil society organizations regarding different aspects of human rights, including social and cultural dimensions, during an address at a meeting with local civil society actors on the second day of his work visit to the region.
In his remarks, Zaalani revealed the CNDH has established a program aimed at conducting visits with civil society across various provinces in the country. This initiative has already resulted in the coverage of over 30 provinces, and the meetings are set to continue in order to better understand civil society’s concerns and incorporate them into the Council’s annual reports. He praised "the strength of proposals from associative actors," indicating that their contributions reflect a heightened level of awareness within the civil society movement supported by both central and local authorities.
During the meeting, Zaalani listened to various concerns raised by participants regarding issues such as healthcare improvements, services in specific sectors, and support for rural women. He noted that the unanimous adoption by the United Nations Human Rights Council of a resolution presented by Algeria on "the impact of anti-personnel mines on the enjoyment of all human rights" affirms Algeria’s weight and prestige on the international stage.
Furthermore, Zaalani pointed to Algeria’s efforts to enhance and develop the healthcare sector, aligning with the World Health Organization (WHO) motto, “A good start to health for a hopeful future,” which was highlighted during World Health Day celebrations on April 7. He also mentioned that Algeria’s recent decision to extend maternity leave from three and a half months to five months for working women exemplifies a proactive and comprehensive approach to ensuring proper support for pregnant women and their care even after childbirth.
In summary, the CNDH’s initiatives and Zaalani’s visit to M’Sila are part of broader efforts to integrate human rights into societal discourse, enhance local welfare, and ensure that civil society’s voices are heard and respected within national frameworks. The ongoing dialogue between the Council and civil society aims to create actionable reports that can lead to significant improvements in various sectors, particularly healthcare and women’s rights. By recognizing the contributions of civil actors and legislating supportive measures, Algeria is demonstrating its commitment to fostering a rights-based environment that cultivates both social and cultural growth.
