Press Release
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights rapporteur assigned to Tunisia highlighted in her address at the conclusion of the tenth day of the 81st Ordinary Session in The Gambia that, despite the peaceful nature of Tunisia’s presidential elections held in October 2024 — and her commendation of the Tunisian people’s conduct during these elections — tensions predominated in the pre-election period.
Arrests and poor migrant conditions:
The rapporteur noted that several political opponents, journalists, and human rights defenders were arrested, and that civil society organizations were repressed in the period leading up to the elections.
Additionally, the rapporteur addressed the situation of migrants in Tunisia, emphasizing that migrant hardships persist despite Tunisian authorities’ efforts, which include awareness and integration plans for over 5,000 regional migrants since 2022. She called on Tunisian authorities to adopt measures to handle the ongoing crisis of migrant rescue and protection in line with international standards.
Call to respect rule of law:
The African NGO Forum, held in The Gambia from October 17 to 18, 2024, before the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission, condemned actions by Tunisian authorities that undermine democratic values. This includes intimidation of journalists, political figures, and human rights defenders who criticize the government, with the forum urging Tunisian authorities to respect the rule of law, protect judicial independence, and avoid using the legal system as a tool to suppress political opposition.
The forum also called on Tunisian authorities to ensure any future elections are transparent, fair, and inclusive, with guarantees for all political parties and candidates to participate without fear of repression. It encouraged the African Commission to closely monitor developments in Tunisia and to engage with Tunisian authorities to renew their commitment to democratic principles and human rights standards.
The forum recommended that international partners support efforts to strengthen democratic institutions in Tunisia, enhance election integrity, and increase civil society’s full participation in public affairs. Additionally, it urged the African Union and the broader international community to closely monitor Tunisia’s human rights situation and to take a proactive stance to address any violations that may arise.
The forum called on Tunisian authorities to commit to transparent governance practices, adhere to international standards of democratic accountability, and ensure the protection of civil liberties and rule of law in all government actions. It also underscored the need to provide reparations for all previous detainees who faced arbitrary detention or mistreatment, ensure they receive adequate compensation for the violation of their rights, hold responsible parties accountable for arbitrary arrests, torture, and other human rights abuses, and to impose appropriate legal consequences to prevent impunity and recurrence of these abuses.
CFJ urges implementation of recommendations:
In response, the Committee for Justice (CFJ) welcomes the address by the rapporteur assigned to Tunisia within the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as the recommendations from the NGO Forum.
CFJ emphasizes the importance of Tunisian authorities adopting these recommendations and working to implement them on the ground, focusing on addressing the violations mentioned by the rapporteur. CFJ stresses the need to open civil space in the country, release political detainees, and uphold both domestic and international law.
