The Status of the Child in Algeria: History, Achievements and Research Evidence

Abstract

Taken as a case study among Islamic countries, this chapter proposes a historical and contextual analysis of the situation of children in Algeria. Backed with legislative texts and research evidence, the research portrays the implementation and promotion of children’s rights in this specific context. The results indicate that the colonial era (1830–1962) was characterised by policies aiming solely to exploit the population and the land. But, this could not succeed without alienation of the indigenous population and their deprivation of the core institutions and traditions on which their society was based. Unlike the European settlers, no tangible policies were sought to protect the people and their children from poverty and ignorance. However, the post-colonial era witnessed a beginning of interest in the status of the children and their needs within a socialist orientation, based on a historical legitimacy rather than democratic choices. Things evolved after the 1988 uprising leading to adopting a multi-party system of governance. But again, social turmoil regained the country for about 10 years. But, these tragic events did not deter Algeria from adhering to and adapting its national child legislation to the requirements of the international legislation.

Many successes were achieved after the period of occupation, such as providing for birth registration, as well as for education and health-care opportunities for children. But, a long road remains to be crossed in the areas of: (1) ensuring quality education; (2) improving quality health services; (3) promoting more effective protection of children from abuse and violence in families; (4) enhancing the quality of schools and public spaces; and, (5) promoting participation in family and school decision-making, and leisure and culture opportunities. Research evidence also indicates that children’s rights are not known, as they should be, by children and adults alike. A limited number of young children aged 8–12 years know their rights and most of them do not agree that adults respect these rights. Recommendations outlined in this chapter include the call for the Algerian government to appoint an official body to produce indicators to evaluate and monitor the protection, respect and promotion of the rights of the child nationwide and collect and combine research data. Leisure and culture opportunities should also be prioritised. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education should reinforce teaching of child’s rights in official curricula, use modern information technologies and should issue compulsory measures to publicise the UN Covenant on the Rights of Children (hereafter CRC) in school spaces. The role of scientific research, mass- media, NGOs and youth organisations in advancing the status of Algerian children should be further supported.