National Commission Reaffirms Non-Muslim Religious Freedom

The National Commission for Religious Rites for Non-Muslims, under the supervision of Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments Youcef Belmehdi, recently convened to reaffirm Algeria's commitment to the principle of freedom of belief. This periodic meeting, held at the ministry's headquarters, addressed various points on its agenda, specifically focusing on concerns expressed by non-Muslim religious associations. The Commission operates within the framework of Ordinance No. 06-02 bis, which outlines the conditions and rules for the exercise of non-Muslim religious rites in the country.

During the session, it was emphasized that the Algerian Constitution enshrines the freedom to practice worship, a right guaranteed within the bounds of law. Furthermore, the nation's legislative and regulatory texts are fully consistent with the shared principles and objectives stipulated in international charters and conventions, notably the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The state guarantees the protection of places of worship, ensuring they remain free from any political or ideological influence, and the Commission reiterated its ongoing dedication to addressing concerns transparently and responsibly.

The Commission also cautioned against the dissemination of unreliable information online concerning the reality of worship practices in Algeria. Recalling the nation's long history marked by tolerance and mutual respect, the Commission highlighted the recent historical visit of Pope Leo XIV as a living testament to human dialogue and the culture of peaceful coexistence within Algeria.