Casualties Overview

In 2011, the Monitor identified 35 casualties from mines, including victim-activated improvised explosive devices (IED), in Algeria.[1] The majority (21) were military and security forces and the rest (14) were civilians. There were at least two child casualties.[2] The majority of casualties were male; there were at least two casualties among women.[3] It is likely that the total number of casualties was higher, since no annual casualty data has been provided by the Interministerial Committee on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty (Interministerial Committee) since 2008; casualty data was gathered from media reports and local survivor associations.[4]

The total of 35 casualties identified in 2011 is similar to the 33 reported in 2010. However, the lack of a central data collection mechanism and annual casualty rate fluctuations in recent years make it difficult to identify trends.[5]

The total number of mine casualties in Algeria is unknown. As of March 2011, there were 2,325 mine survivors as well as 439 widows and 739 descendants of victims killed in mine incidents registered with the Ministry of the Mujahidin.[6] In October 2009, it was reported in the media that there had been at least 6,762 mine casualties since 1962 (3,236 killed; 3,526 injured).[7] No information was available on casualties caused by explosive remnants of war (ERW).

Victim Assistance

Algeria is known to have survivors of landmines, including victim-activated IEDs and other types of ERW. Algeria has made a commitment to provide victim assistance as a State Party to the Mine Ban Treaty. As of March 2011, there were 2,325 registered mine survivors in Algeria.[8] In October 2009, it was reported that there were at least 3,551 mine survivors in Algeria.[9]

Victim assistance in 2011

No significant changes in the access to or quality of victim assistance services were identified in 2011. All registered victims, including survivors as well as the family members of those killed by mines, are entitled to benefits through the Ministries of Mujahidin, National Solidarity, and Health. These benefits include healthcare and pensions.[10] However, the estimated number of survivors has been significantly higher than the number of registered victims.[11] In 2011, the Interministerial Committee worked with the Ministry of the Mujahidin to validate data on mine survivors in order to ensure survivor’s eligibility for benefits.[12]

Assessing victim assistance needs

In 2011, the Interministerial Committee, in cooperation with local and international organizations involved in victim assistance, continued to collect information about available victim assistance services to be published in a service directory in 2012.[13]

Throughout 2011, Handicap International (HI) continued the survivor identification process which began in 2009, and in 2011 started the next phase by conducting survivor needs assessments in six walayas (provinces) with the help of local NGOs. Data gathered was to be shared during a national seminar to be held at the end of 2012 with survivors and disabled persons associations and government authorities to assist in program planning, identifying priorities for mine action, and directing survivors more effectively to existing services. [14]

Victim assistance coordination[15]

The Interministerial Committee coordinates victim assistance in cooperation with the Ministries of Mujahidin and National Solidarity.[16] In 2011, there were no regular victim assistance coordination meetings, though one ad hoc planning and coordination meeting was held. This meeting included representatives of the Interministerial Committee, the UNDP, and NGO implementing partners.[17] As of the end of 2011, Algeria had no national victim assistance plan.

Algeria delivered a statement on victim assistance and socio-economic inclusion at the intersessional Standing Committee Meetings in May 2012; however, it did not provide any new data or updates on victim assistance activities.[18] Algeria did not provide information on victim assistance activities in Form J of its most recent Mine Ban Treaty Article 7 report,[19] nor did it give updates on victim assistance at the Eleventh Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty in December 2011 in Phnom Penh.

Inclusion and participation in victim assistance

In 2011, survivors were included in nongovernmental coordination on victim assistance, in the design and implementation of economic inclusion projects, and in psychological support to survivors and their families.[20]

Service accessibility and effectiveness

Victim assistance activities in 2011[21]

No changes were identified in the availability or quality of physical rehabilitation for mine/ERW survivors.

HI launched several new programs for mine and ERW victims and other persons with disabilities with a focus on psychosocial support, economic inclusion and inclusive education. In collaboration with the Interministerial Committee, HI provided training and supervision for psychologists working with victims and their families. It also began a new program to support small income generating projects for mine and ERW victims and/or persons with disabilities. The Interministerial Committee provided seed funding for the projects.[22]

To promote inclusive education, HI supported local associations in the development of services to educate children with disabilities, including mine and ERW victims and to train teachers in inclusive education.

The law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other state services, although in practice in 2011 the government did not effectively enforce these provisions, including employment quotas, and discrimination remained widespread. Few government buildings were accessible to persons with disabilities.[23]

Algeria ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 4 December 2009.