Hamlaoui souligne l’importance d’élargir le débat à tous les acteurs de la société civile
Expansion of Civic Dialogue in Algeria: The Role of ONSC
On a significant evening in Algiers, Ibtissam Hamlaoui, the president of Algeria’s National Observatory of Civil Society (ONSC), emphasized the need to broaden discussions involving all civil society actors and to actively listen to their insights. During a press conference held in conjunction with a colloquium organized by the ONSC and the African Union Center for the Fight Against Terrorism (CUACT), she presented the ONSC’s strategy aimed at enhancing civic participation and dialogue.
Central to Hamlaoui’s message was the observatory’s ambition to become a hub for generating ideas, fostering creativity, and crafting strategic plans that support public authorities. She articulated that the foremost initiative in this mission involves opening channels for dialogue and debate among a plethora of civil society stakeholders. To facilitate this interaction, she announced that the observatory’s doors would be accessible to civil society representatives twice a week—every Saturday and Thursday—encouraging community actors to share their perspectives and engage in meaningful discussions.
Highlighting the significance of horizontal collaboration, Hamlaoui pointed out that before addressing training or capacity-building initiatives, it is imperative to first acknowledge and understand the genuine concerns of civil society representatives. She underscored that neighborhood committees and local associations at the district and provincial levels form the backbone of civil society, serving as its authentic extension.
In addition, Hamlaoui discussed a new cooperation agreement signed on the same day between the ONSC and the CUACT, which aims to lay the groundwork for collaboration between the two organizations. This agreement encompasses various key areas, including public awareness campaigns regarding the effective role of civil society in the prevention and combat against terrorism.
Hamlaoui also spoke to Algeria’s notable expertise in managing issues related to counter-terrorism, including the fight against human trafficking and the protection of undocumented migrants’ rights. Her comments were reinforced by the recognition from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which acknowledged Algeria’s efforts in these domains.
Algeria, according to Hamlaoui, stands out as one of the countries ensuring the safety and well-being of refugees by providing them with medical care and educational opportunities. She emphasized the comprehensive support provided by the Algerian government for children accompanying undocumented migrants, illustrating the nation’s commitment to humanitarian principles.
Through these initiatives, the ONSC aims to create an inclusive and participatory environment for civil society in Algeria, facilitating a collective approach to pressing issues such as terrorism prevention and community development. This approach not only aims to empower local actors but also to enhance Algeria’s standing as a leader in the region regarding civil rights and humanitarian efforts.
In conclusion, the efforts of the ONSC under the guidance of Ibtissam Hamlaoui highlight a strategic commitment to fostering dialogue, listening to community voices, and collaborating efficiently with key stakeholders. By establishing a robust framework for interaction between civil society and government institutions, Algeria seeks to strengthen its democratic processes and enhance the effectiveness of its initiatives against terrorism and social challenges. The emphasis on community engagement and the role of local organizations reflects a vision of a cohesive society working towards common goals, thereby setting a precedent for other nations in the region grappling with similar challenges.
