Banjul, October 19, 2025
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) announces the adoption by the plenary session of the Forum on NGO Participation in the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) of resolution CRES/009/10/25 concerning the human rights situation in Tunisia. This resolution was adopted at the conclusion of the proceedings held in Banjul, Gambia, from October 17 to 19, 2025.
The resolution is based, among other things, on the findings documented and shared during the Forum sessions, particularly those from contributions by Tunisian human rights organizations. On this occasion, a coalition composed of the LTDH, CFJ, Lawyers Without Borders (ASF), Ifriqiya, Damj, Intersection, Al Bawsala, Beity, the OMCT, Mawjoudine, and the FTDES presented a shadow report detailing recent violations and structural trends affecting fundamental rights in the country. This coalition also took part in all of the Forum’s thematic workshops and submitted a draft national resolution, several elements of which were included in the version adopted in plenary.
The resolution recalls Tunisia’s regional and international obligations and expresses deep concern about:
- the increasing concentration of executive powers and the weakening of the separation of powers;
- the subordination of the judiciary and the absence of an independent constitutional court;
- the increased criminalization of human rights defenders, journalists, civil society actors, and migrant advocates;
- persistent violations in prisons, including overcrowding, inhumane conditions, torture, and ill-treatment;
- gender-based violence, violations of the rights of LGBTQIA individuals, and discrimination against sub-Saharan migrant women;
- the drastic reduction of civic space and fundamental freedoms.
The resolution adopted calls on the African Commission to:
- demand the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience;
- work to restore the separation of powers and judicial independence;
- guarantee access to a fair trial, reduce prison overcrowding, and investigate allegations of torture;
- end restrictions on human rights defenders and civic actors;
- dispatch a fact-finding mission to Tunisia;
- Support a return to constitutional order that respects human rights and protects vulnerable groups;
- Align the definition of torture with international standards;
- Relaunch the transitional justice process and implement the recommendations of the IVD;
- Strengthen the functioning of the Specialized Criminal Chambers and implement proceedings against perpetrators of serious violations;
- End the prosecution of the president and members of the IVD;
- Ensure that new mechanisms—including the Fidaa Foundation and the decree on criminal reconciliation—comply with Tunisia’s obligations.
Finally, The Committee for Justice welcomes the adoption of this resolution and reaffirms the importance of collective efforts in documentation, advocacy, and regional mobilization to strengthen the protection of human rights in Tunisia.