Tunisia has announced its withdrawal from the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, signalling a troubling step back for freedoms in this North African nation. The government declared it would no longer allow individuals and NGOs to submit cases to the court, a decision that has sparked fierce criticism from rights groups. The foreign ministry has remained silent on this withdrawal, leaving many questions unanswered.
Previously, Tunisia had permitted its citizens and civil organisations to appeal to the court, a privilege granted in 2017 in the wake of the Arab Spring. However, President Kais Saied’s controversial rise to power in 2019, followed by a significant consolidation of authority in 2021, has raised alarms about the nation’s democratic integrity. Opposition critics of Saied have faced imprisonment and are currently involved in a politically charged mass trial.
In May 2023, a legal case was lodged with the court concerning four opposition figures, including Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi, calling for their release. By August, the court had directed the Tunisian authorities to ensure these detainees could access essential legal and medical support, highlighting ongoing human rights concerns.
The Tunisian League for Human Rights condemned the withdrawal as a clandestine decision, describing it as “a dangerous step backwards”. The group further suggested that this move undermines judicial independence and justice mechanisms within Tunisia. The CRLDHT lamented this action as a shameful abandonment of Tunisia’s commitment to human rights, warning that it strips citizens of their rights to challenge governmental misconduct at the continental level.
Tunisia has officially withdrawn from the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which permits individuals and NGOs to file cases. Rights groups criticise this as a decline in freedoms under President Kais Saied, whose leadership has witnessed increased authoritarianism. Detainees, including political opponents, are facing ongoing persecution, drawing the court’s involvement in several cases. Human rights organisations denounce this withdrawal as a threat to judicial independence and citizen rights.
Tunisia’s withdrawal from the African Human Rights Court represents a significant setback for human rights and civil liberties in the country. This decision highlights growing authoritarianism under President Kais Saied, with critics silenced and independent judicial recourse now severely restricted. Human rights advocates argue this shift will have damaging ramifications for justice and accountability within Tunisia.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
