Banjul, 28 October 2025
During the review of Tunisia’s report before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Committee for Justice (CFJ), speaking on behalf of the Tunisian civil society coalition and supported by the Tunisian League for Human Rights (LTDH), delivered an oral statement under item 8 of the agenda, in interaction with the report of the Honorable Commissioner Remy Lumbo on the situation of human rights defenders.
The coalition highlighted the alarming deterioration of the rule of law in Tunisia and the repression targeting human rights defenders, journalists, and independent organizations.
Key points raised by the CFJ include:
- The subordination of the judiciary, which has been reduced to an executive function, undermining judicial independence.
- The unprecedented shrinking of civic space, exemplified by the arbitrary suspension of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women (ATFD), a historic organization active for more than three decades. This decision constitutes a direct violation of Articles 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
- The repressive use of Decree-Law 54, initially presented as a tool against misinformation, now employed to criminalize opinion and silence journalists, lawyers, activists, and human rights defenders.
- The proliferation of hate speech and stigmatization against NGOs, particularly those receiving international funding, creating an atmosphere of fear and delegitimization.
The coalition called on the African Commission to:
- Condemn the arbitrary suspension of ATFD and demand its immediate reinstatement;
- Denounce the use of Decree-Law 54 as a tool of political repression;
- Call for the release of all individuals arbitrarily detained for their opinions;
- Remind Tunisian authorities of their obligations under the African Charter and ensure a safe environment for civil society.
The coalition emphasized that Tunisia, once a model for women’s rights and civil liberties, is now experiencing a dark period where free expression and civic engagement are criminalized, and urged the African Commission to stand with Tunisian defenders to ensure that the voices of women, journalists, and democracy activists continue to be heard.