Universal Periodic Review of Tunisia

The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights held a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on Tunisia on May 22. A delegation from Tunisia presented the following as positive achievements; the revolution of last year has led to a democratic transition, the new government has taken several measures to safeguard civil society, and efforts have been made to prevent violence against women. Delegations in the hearing also noted other positive changes, such as the release of political prisoners, new legislation to ensure the independence of the judicial system, and the accession to international treaties – as recommended in the first UPR. The working group raised some issues, such as more efforts were needed to respect civil society, challenges to freedom of expression, attacks against peaceful protesters, and steps needed to be taken to combat social and economic disparities.

UPR Info, an NGO dedicated to promoting the UPR, commented on the hearing, noting on its Twitter feed that: Tunisia is a “pioneer” in promotion of women’s rights in the Arab world, with 49 women as a part in the national assembly. It also noted there were on-going social reform, but there are, “limited resources and [it is a] challenge to change society beliefs”.

The adoption of the report of the UPR Working Group on Tunisia is scheduled for May 25.