Right to health in Algeria: UN expert to make first visit

United Nations Special Rapporteur Dainius Pûras will visit Algeria from 27 April to 10 May 2016 to assess how far the right to health has been realised in the country.

“I look forward to learning how Algeria endeavours to implement the right to health, including the measures the country has taken to date and the challenges it faces,” Mr. Pûras said. His visit will be the first visit to Algeria by an independent expert charged by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor the implementation of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. During the visit, the Special Rapporteur will examine achievements and challenges related to the enjoyment of the right to health, including the availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of health services, goods and facilities. Mr. Pûras will also assess factors that affect the right to health in the country, including poverty and social exclusion. “I will be particularly interested in addressing specific issues during this visit, especially within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” the expert said. Among these issues are: access to primary healthcare; sexual and reproductive health; mental health; violence against women and girls; HIV/AIDS; and drug and substance use. The Special Rapporteur will examine the situation of key populations and groups, such as refugees and asylum seekers, migrants, and persons with disabilities, as well as women, young people and children. The UN Special Rapporteur will share his preliminary conclusions on the visit with the media at a press conference on 10 May 2016 at 10:00, at the UN House, 41 Rue Mohamed Khoudi- El Biar, Algiers.