§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider the human rights situation in Algeria to have improved since the European Union signed an association agreement with Algeria on 22 April, given that the agreement contains a clause requiring the contracting parties to promote and protect human rights. [HL5113]
§ Baroness AmosThe signature of the EU/Algeria Association Agreement on 22 April marked the conclusion of negotiations between the EU and Algeria. The next stage is ratification of the agreement by all member states, the European Community and Algeria. Only after all have ratified will the agreement enter into force. This therefore means that neither the trade provisions nor the other provisions of the agreement are at present binding. However, signature of the association agreement means that when the agreement does enter into force the EU will be in a position to monitor closely adherence to the human rights principles laid out in the text of the association agreement:
"Relations between the Parties, as well as all provisions of the Agreement itself, shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which guides their internal and international policy and constitutes an essential element of this agreement".
The agreement provides for dialogue through the creation of an EU-Algeria Association Council at ministerial level and association committee at senior 152WA official level. These bodies will follow up and monitor the agreement on a regular basis, including, of course, respect for human rights.
The ratification process also provides member states with the opportunity to raise their concerns about human rights in Algeria.