Algeria Reiterates Commitment to Freedom of Worship

ALGIERS, Algeria — Algeria's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments reaffirmed the country's commitment to freedom of worship for non-Muslims during a meeting held on Tuesday. The National Committee for Religious Rites of Non-Muslims, chaired by Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Dr. Yusuf Belmehdi, convened to address concerns raised by non-Muslim religious associations.

The meeting, which was part of a regular schedule, highlighted Algeria's constitutional guarantee of freedom of worship within the framework of the law. The committee emphasized that the country's legislative and regulatory texts align with the principles and goals outlined in international charters and treaties, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The state ensures the protection of places of worship from political or ideological influences. The committee reaffirmed Algeria's dedication to upholding the principle of freedom of belief and implementing mechanisms to facilitate the practice of religious rites. It also urged against the dissemination of unverified information regarding the practice of worship in Algeria, which can mislead the public.

The committee highlighted Algeria's historical record of tolerance and respect, recently exemplified by the historic visit of Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church. This visit underscored Algeria's commitment to human dialogue and a culture of peaceful coexistence.

**Context/Background:** Algeria's reaffirmation of its commitment to freedom of worship is significant as it underscores the country's efforts to promote religious tolerance and adherence to international human rights standards. This commitment is particularly important in a region where religious freedom can be a contentious issue. The historic visit of Pope Francis to Algeria further solidified the country's stance on interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence, setting a precedent for other nations in the region.