Human Rights Council

Item 6: Universal Periodic Review - Tunisia

21 September 2017

INTLawyers and Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) note the UPR report for Tunisia.

We welcome Tunisia acceptance of most of the recommendations made in the review cycle and the efforts it has made to balance security concerns with its international human rights obligations.

We remind the Tunisian government that some human rights, including the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion are non-derogable and that any limitations must be prescribed by law and necessary to protect a proven legitimate aim of public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is prominent in the Tunisian Constitution and we urge the government and the courts of Tunisia to ensure that it is interpreted in a manner that is consistent with Tunisia’s international legal obligations especially article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

We note that Tunisia is a young democracy, but it is one at the vanguard of ensuring the right by all to participate in the political life of their country. We urge it to continue to develop its mechanism for ensuring all its citizens participation in their government in a fair and equitable manner.

Thank you.