Law 04-23 on 'Human Trafficking'

The Algerian government announced a new law on "human trafficking," which included penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment.  It calls for a national strategy to prevent human trafficking, asserting the need to harness all necessary efforts and capabilities to implement the new law. The new law stipulated that the state accompany victims of human trafficking and provide them with health, psychological, social, and legal assistance and care. It must also facilitate their reintegration into society, with particular attention to women, children, and people with special needs, considering their age and gender. Victims are treated free of charge by public health institutions. Observers noted that the law targeted people who employ sub-Saharan nationals in their homes, or construction sites, especially since their rights are often violated illegally. Each year, thousands of sub-Saharan citizens enter Algeria.