Global Arab Network | EU offers €17 million to modernise Algerian prisons

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EU offers €17 million to modernise Algerian prisons

Global Arab Network - - John Short

Thursday, 26 November 2009 19:13

€18.5 million budget of the second phase of an EU-funded project for support to the justice system in Algeria and the construction of 81 new prisons, according to an article published by Arabic newspaper Alhayat.

The feature says officials at the Ministry of Justice consider that the modernisation of the prison system project, launched in June 2008 and expected to last until 2012, is a great step towards “strengthening the respect of human rights and affirming the independence of the judicial system in the country”. Amendments to prison conditions aim at improving the treatment of detainees and at facilitating their reintegration back into society.

The Modernisation of the prison system project in Algeria is articulated around 4 main components: enhancing the living conditions of people behind bars, developing training and activities in prisons to facilitate the reintegration of former prisoners in the society, respect of human rights, training of prison staff, and implementing modern communication tools inside prisons. Boudjemaa Ghachir, President of Algerian League of Human Rights, explains that the project is still in the launching phase, and its concrete results are not due to appear yet. He adds that the selection of the administrative board, composed of Algerian and European members, has just been completed, and the construction of 81 new prisons has been assigned to a French company.

The EU also funds a regional programme in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy, EuroMed Justice II, with a budget of €5 million, which contributes to the development of a Euro Mediterranean area of cooperation on justice, through strengthening the development of the institutional and administrative capacity of Partner Countries and good governance.

According to the ENPI’s National Indicative Programme (NIP) for Algeria 2007-2013, “Algeria has made a considerable effort in favour of ratification of the Association Agreement (AA). Moreover, the government’s reform programme gives a privileged role to the AA in the framework of the liberalisation of its economy.”

The ‘Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council – Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2008’, (23 April 2009) adds that, “a roadmap for the implementation of the Association Agreement with Algeria was agreed by the Association Committee in September [2008].”

Algeria participates in the ENP. However the Country Report, on which an Action Plan would be based, is still under development. The NIP says that, “in the case of Algeria, ratification of the AA has been a difficult exercise for the authorities, who have invested heavily in political links with the EU. At this stage, it is premature to anticipate the adoption of a Neighbourhood Action Plan with Algeria that would contain specific objectives.”

Since September 2005 relations between Algeria and the EU are developed under a legally binding Association Agreement. This foresees a free trade area between the EU and Algeria within 12 years, and provides the framework for cooperation in the political, economic, social, scientific and cultural fields. It also includes provisions allowing the coverage of political questions (international, domestic, human rights and democracy) and migration.

Eurojar is one of 13 projects funded across the ENPI under EuropeAid’s €19 million Regional Information and Communication Programme, which seeks to increase awareness and understanding among the citizens of the area, about the EU, its policies and relations with their countries. The Eurojar budget amounts to €1.5 million and the project will last for one year. As well as Al-Hayat, it publishes articles highlighting EU cooperation in l’Orient Le Jour and Le Commerce du Levant, and broadcasts weekly reportages on LBCI and LBCSat.

Global Arab Network

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