Written question asked by Robert N Wareing (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 20 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 October 2008. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 6 November 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Algeria: Religious Freedom

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his Algerian counterpart in respect of that government's policy towards its Christian community; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Neither I or my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary have had any discussions with our Algerian counterparts on this issue, but I am aware of reports emerging from Algeria concerning the closure of 'unauthorised' churches and the detention of Christians accused of evangelisation. On 22 July, Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials held a meeting with a range of non-governmental organisations concerned about restrictions on the freedom of religion and belief across the world, including Algeria. Our ambassador raised this issue with the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 23 July 2008.The right to freedom of religion and belief in Algeria was raised on 14 April during Algeria's examination under the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, which the UK participated in. Additionally, the EU-Algeria Association Agreement, which came into force in September 2005, restates that the principles and fundamental human rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an essential part of the agreement and must be followed by both signatories. The EU will continue to raise questions on human rights in Algeria.We continue to monitor the enforcement of religious laws in Algeria, and are in contact with Christian leaders in Algiers, raising individual cases when it is appropriate.

Secondary information