1. General

The 27th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) will be held in Algiers, Algeria, from 27 April to 11 May 2000. The opening session is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on 27th April 2000 at the Conference Centre (Committee Room B) of the "Palais des Nations" (Nations Palace) at Club des Pins, Algiers, Algeria.

2. Credentials

Delegates and other participants are kindly requested to bring their official credentials duly signed by the appropriate authorities of their Governments or their respective organisations and hand them to the ACHPR Secretariat prior to registration.

3. Registration and identification badges

Participants are required to register and obtain identification badges prior to the opening of the Session. For this purpose, a registration counter will be ready in the main lobby area outside the Plenary Hall. However, for participants arriving late, registration can also be made upon their arrival. For identification and security reasons, all participants are requested to wear their badges at all times during the Session and at social functions.

4. Immigration requirements

All travellers arriving in Algiers, Algeria, should have a valid passport. Algeria entry visas are required for all nationals and can be obtained at the Algerian Diplomatic and Consular representations abroad. Each participant is therefore strongly requested to check the existence and the location of these Representations with the Ministry of Foreign/External Affairs of his/her country to have the visa before arriving in Algiers. Holders of OAU and UN Laissez-Passer and diplomatic Passports are issued free of charge with an entry visa upon arrival at the airport in Algiers. There is no Airport tax in Algeria.

Participants should send flight information to the ACHPR Secretariat or to the Algerian Organising Committee, C/O the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel (213-2) 50 45 45 and fax (213-2) 50 42 42, Algiers, Algeria.

5. Health requirements

Visitors require yellow fever inoculations. The participants are requested to take the necessary vaccination and travel with their vaccination card.

6. Weather

In the months of April and May it is usually rainy season in Algeria. The temperature varies between 20°C and 24°C. It is thus advisable to have an umbrella or a raincoat.

7. Foreign exchange and Banks

All major convertible currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged to the Algerian currency at the prevailing bank rates. The Algerian currency is Algerian Dinar (AD). The exchange rate varies between 65 and 70 AD for 1 US$. Exchange operations can be done at the Airport, the banks and hotels. Banks are continuously open to the public from Sunday to Thursday, from 9:00 am to 3:30 p.m. (local time GMT + 1). It should be noted that Thursday afternoon and Friday are weekly days off in Algeria.

8. Airline reservations

A number of international airlines operate regularly to and from Algiers. A travel agency will be available at the Conference site for flight reconfirmation or any other assistance. However, it is strongly recommended that participants secure their return/onward air passage prior to their departure for Algiers. Working hours of the main travel agents are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. That is the case for Air Algeria, Royal Air Maroc, Tunis Air, Egypt Air …. It should be noted that the Algerian Airlines Company serves 15 African and Middle Eastern airports as well as 23 European airports and has agreement with many General Travel Agents abroad. Participants are therefore strongly requested to check in their respective countries the best itinerary to travel to and from Algiers.
Address in Algiers

Algerian Airlines Company " Air Algérie "
1, Place Maurice Audin - Alger
Tel. (213-2) 74 24 28; 65 33 40/42

International Flights : 50 91 00; 50 60 00

Booking : (213-2) 68 95 05; 58 91 11

Other companies serving Algiers

1. Royal Air Maroc (Tel. (213-2) 74 45 20)
2. Tunis Air (Tel. (213-2) 71 45 86
3. Egypt Air

9. Electricity

The voltage in Algeria is 220 V AC accessible with 2 pins normal chairman plug.

10. Privileges and Immunities

Without prejudice to the privileges, immunities and facilities accorded to all participants, everyone must respect the laws and regulations of the Republic of Algeria and to refrain from interference in the internal affairs of the country.

Nobody is allowed to enter or photograph an area designated as prohibited or restricted. Breach of such regulations should be avoided at all times. If in doubt, seek advice.

11. Hotel accommodation

For Participants accommodation, there is a variety of possibilities in Algeria. A certain number of hotels are around the Conference Centre at "Club des Pins" with wonderful sea views. The prices of hotel rooms are generally given in Algerian Dinar.

Participants travelling to Algiers are advised to inform the Secretariat not later than 1st April 2000 to enable the latter to make booking arrangements. The list of the hotels is provided at the end of this information note.

12. Reception on arrival

Provided that advance notice is given, participants will be met on arrival at Algiers Houari Boumedienne International Airport and will be assisted with the formalities regarding immigration, customs, etc. Consequently, expected date and time of arrival in Algiers with flight details should be notified as soon as possible to the ACHPR Secretariat. Any subsequent changes should be similarly notified.

13. Transport

Transportation on arrival and departure to member States delegates will be provided.

14. Documents

Participants will get the working documents for the Session at the time of registration. Participants are also advised to consult with the Secretariat for formal and written authorisation for distribution of documents at the Conference area. No documents will be circulated without the written authorisation of the Secretary to the Commission.