Tunisia has officially withdrawn from the African Union’s human rights court, a decision seen by rights groups as a regression of freedoms. The withdrawal, communicated without explanation, disrupts the ability of citizens and NGOs to challenge state violations. This reflects an increasing authoritarianism under President Kais Saied, raising concerns about a roll back on human rights.
Tunisia has officially announced its withdrawal from the African Union’s human rights court, a move that has ignited criticism from various rights groups who perceive it as a regression of freedoms in an increasingly authoritarian landscape. Activists have circulated the government’s declaration, which states that Tunisia no longer recognizes the court’s authority to accept cases from individuals or non-governmental organizations.
The Tunisian foreign ministry has not provided a rationale for this withdrawal nor responded to inquiries from news agencies. Notably, Tunisia previously allowed its citizens and NGOs the right to appeal to this court in 2017, a reflection of its status as the sole enduring democracy from the Arab Spring of 2011.
The political landscape shifted with the election of Kais Saied as president in 2019, followed by a significant consolidation of power in 2021 that has raised alarms among human rights advocates. Many prominent dissenters have found themselves imprisoned on charges deemed politically motivated.
The African court had recently urged Tunisian authorities to grant detained opposition figures, including Ennahdha party leader Rached Ghannouchi, better access to legal representation and medical care. This ruling likely influenced the government’s retreat from the court.
In response, the Tunisian League for Human Rights condemned the withdrawal as a “dangerous step backwards” and an attempt to distance the state from independent judicial accountability, undermining efforts against impunity. The CRLDHT added that this action renders past commitments to human rights ineffective, stripping citizens of a formal avenue to contest state abuses.
Tunisia’s withdrawal from the African Union’s human rights court highlights a troubling trend towards authoritarianism and a setback for human rights protections. By ceasing recognition of the court’s authority, the Tunisian government limits its citizens’ options for addressing human rights violations. Criticism from key human rights organizations underscores the broader implications of this decision on accountability and the rule of law within the country.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
