Algeria and the United Nations
  | |
| United Nations membership | |
|---|---|
| Membership | Full member |
| Since | October 8, 1962 |
| UNSC seat | Non-permanent |
| Permanent Representative | Amar Bendjama[1] |
The People's Democratic Republic of Algeria officially became a member of the United Nations on 8 October 1962, following its independence.[2] Algeria did not participate in the formation of the United Nations in 1945, as it was part of the French colonial empire at the time. Since joining, Algeria has been actively engaged in international matters such as decolonization, peacekeeping, and promoting non-alignment.[3] The country has participated in UN General Assembly sessions, contributed personnel to peacekeeping missions, and supported initiatives concerning the rights of developing nations. Algeria's involvement at the UN aligns with its foreign policy objectives, which include the preservation of sovereignty, support for anti-colonial movements, and fostering cooperation, particularly within Africa and the Arab world.[4]
In June 2023, Algeria was elected to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for a two-year term, marking its fourth term[5] after previously serving in 1968–1969, 1988–1989, and 2004–2005. As one of three African nations on the council, Algeria is the only member from the Arab world during this term.[6]
Role in establishing the UN
[edit]Algeria did not participate in the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, as it was still under French colonial rule at the time. However, the UN played a primary role in supporting Algerian War of Independence. The Algerian War of Independence (1954–1962) was an international issue, with Algeria's National Liberation Front (FLN) seeking diplomatic support from newly independent countries and the UN. Though the UN did not formally intervene in the conflict, several member states served their support for Algerian independence within the General Assembly.[3] After gaining independence in 1962, Algeria became a member of the United Nations on October 8, 1962.[2]
Contributions to peacekeeping
[edit]Algeria has been an active contributor to UN peacekeeping missions since its independence. The country has provided personnel, financial contributions, and logistical support to several UN-led peacekeeping operations, particularly in Africa. Algeria's role in peacekeeping is rooted in its experience with its own movement for independence and its advocacy for peaceful conflict resolution.[4] Algerian troops and police units have participated in missions in places such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Angolan Civil War, and the Central African Republic, among others.[7]
In addition to contributing personnel, Algeria has played a diplomatic role in conflict mediation, most notably in the Western Sahara conflict[8] and the resolution of tensions in Mali. Its mediation measures, often supported by the UN, highlight its position as a regional peace broker.[9]
Advocacy for decolonization
[edit]One of Algeria's primary roles within the UN has been its advocacy for decolonization and the right to self-determination. Following its own independence, Algeria became a supporter of liberation movements across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In the 1960s and 1970s, Algeria was a central figure within the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 (G77), both of which worked closely with the UN to promote the interests of developing countries.[4]
Algeria has often used its platform at the UN to raise issues related to the rights of occupied territories, particularly the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which Algeria has consistently supported.[10][11] Algeria's stance on national sovereignty and opposition to foreign intervention are informed by its historical experience with colonialism and its support for self-determination in international forums.[4]
Human rights advocacy
[edit]Algeria has participated in various UN bodies, such as the Human Rights Council, and has worked towards improving gender equality, poverty alleviation, and education, both domestically and internationally.[4] Although Algeria's domestic human rights record has been subject to scrutiny, particularly concerning issues such as freedom of speech and assembly,[12] the country has committed to several international human rights treaties and conventions through its UN membership.[13]
Diplomatic initiatives and regional cooperation
[edit]Algeria has used the UN as a forum to advocate for regional stability and cooperation, particularly in the context of North Africa and the Sahel. The country has played an primary role in addressing regional security issues, including counter-terrorism measures and transnational organized crime, which have posed challenges to the stability of the region. As a result, Algeria has worked closely with the UN on initiatives to promote security and development in these regions.[4]
Algeria has also consistently advocated for reforms in the structure of the United Nations, particularly concerning the Security Council.[4] The country has supported calls for increased representation of African and developing nations in key UN bodies, arguing that the current structure does not adequately reflect the geopolitical realities of the modern world.[14][15]
References
[edit]- ^ "New Permanent Representative of Algeria Presents Credentials". Meetings Coverage and Press Releases. 28 Apr 2023. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ a b Nations, United. "Member States". United Nations. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ a b "Independence, Revolution, Conflict". Encyclopedia Britannica. 9 Feb 2009. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g "ALGERIA TO UNSC". pmnewyork.mfa.gov.dz. 16 Apr 2024. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ Henneberg, Sabina (8 Jan 2024). "Algeria Takes a Seat on the UN Security Council". The Washington Institute. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ "Security Council". Countries Elected Members. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ Atoui, Imad (22 Jul 2020). "Opinion". Daily Sabah. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ "Algeria slams France for recognising Western Sahara autonomy 'within Moroccan sovereignty'". Reuters. 25 Jul 2024. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ The New Arab (28 Aug 2024). "Algeria Calls on UN Security Council to Act in Mali". genocidewatch. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ "Algeria pushes for Palestinian UN membership, urges 2-state solution". Anadolu Ajansı. 18 Apr 2024. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ Rabat, Basma El Atti ــ (26 Mar 2024). "Algeria pushes for Palestine full membership at UN". The New Arab. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ "Human rights in Algeria". Amnesty International. 29 Mar 2024. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ "Algiers Peace Agreement". UNMEE. 17 Mar 2017. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ Spence, Benedict (23 Sep 2024). "Algerian FM calls for UN reform to meet 'dangers lurking all over the world'". Arab News. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
- ^ "Algeria calls for reform of UN Security Council". Middle East Monitor. 8 Dec 2022. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.
Further reading
[edit]- "United Nations GENERAL ASSEMBLY ELEVENTH SESSION Official Records" (PDF). digitallibrary.un.org. 24 Dec 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 Dec 2023. Retrieved 25 Sep 2024.