Sir, - A year has passed since the terrifying massacres of last Ramadan in Algeria. There was an international outcry at that time but the international community, including the EU, shirked its responsibilities to vindicate human rights there. The torture and killings have persisted throughout the year with the international community again turning a blind eye to these violations. High unemployment is chronic and there is little hope of betterment.
The Algerian people are in desperation and there is little hope, according to Irish diplomats, for the UN General Assembly, presently in session, to speak out on their behalf. Cowardly failure to stand up for human rights against economic and political vested interests in Algeria is the depressing scenario on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights - Yours, etc., Brendan Butler,
Ireland-Algeria Solidarity Group, Upper Camden Street, Dublin 2.