Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Commend Tunisia on Removing Restrictions on Amazigh Names, Ask about Measures to Protect the Rights of the Amazigh and Prevent Racist Hate Speech
The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination today concluded its consideration of the combined twentieth to twenty-second periodic reports of Tunisia, with Committee Experts commending the State on removing restrictions on the registration of Amazigh names, and asking questions on measures to protect the rights of the Amazigh and prevent racist hate speech.
Ibrahima Guisse, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, commended the State party for repealing the 1965 circular that imposed restrictions on registering Amazigh first names in the civil registry. Saying there were still municipalities that reportedly continued to refuse to register newborns with Amazigh names, he asked how the State was implementing and monitoring this policy.
Mr. Guisse also asked whether the State party intended to take measures to recognise the status of Amazigh indigenous peoples and protect their collective rights. Faith Dikeledi Pansy Tlakula, Committee Expert and Follow-Up Rapporteur, asked whether the State party had implemented the Committee’s previous recommendation to allow for the registration of Amazigh associations.
Several Committee Experts referenced a statement made by the President in 2023 accusing migrants of planning a criminal plot against Tunisia, which had reportedly incited violence and mass protests. They asked about investigations that had been carried out into these attacks. Pela Boker-Wilson, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, also asked about measures in place to combat racist hate speech, including in political discourse, the media and online.
Introducing the report, Mohamed Ben Ayad, Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Tunisians Abroad and head of the delegation, said Tunisia affirmed its fulfilment of its obligations under the Convention. In 2018, Tunisia adopted an organic act on the elimination of racial discrimination, which would provide legal accountability for this crime, guarantee reparation for victims of discrimination, and facilitate their access to justice.
The delegation said all births that took place inside the territory of Tunisia were registered according to State law. In July 2020, circular 13 on birth registration was adopted, which abolished the previous law on birth registration and made it possible for parents to choose the names of their children without restriction. All municipalities needed to respect this legislation.
Tunisia was working to protect ethnic minorities and their cultural expressions, the delegation said. The State had worked to preserve several Amazigh villages and had organised activities promoting and protecting Amazigh music, dance, clothing, cuisine and craftmanship. It had financed Amazigh associations, cultural festivals, and celebrations of the Amazigh New Year.
The delegation said there was no racist campaign in Tunisia against migrants from sub-Saharan African countries. The State dealt with migrants on a humanitarian and legal basis. All arrests of migrants were conducted based on State law. The length of pre-trial detention had recently been reduced in line with international standards. Migrants who committed violations enjoyed legal protections in line with Tunisian citizens throughout the judicial process.
In concluding remarks, Mr. Guisse said many questions were raised in the dialogue on challenges faced by the State, including related to hate speech and stigmatisation of different groups such as migrants. Based on the topics discussed, the Committee would develop concluding observations that it hoped would be of benefit to the State.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Ben Ayad said the State party had been determined to implement the Committee’s past recommendations and would continue to work in this spirit. The Committee needed to consider the challenges faced by Tunisia, which the State was not always responsible for. The State party commended the Committee’s efforts in supporting the implementation of the Convention in Tunisia.
The delegation of Tunisia consisted of representatives of the Presidency of the Government; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Tunisians Abroad; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of National Defence; Ministry of the Interior; Ministry of Religious Affairs; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Social Affairs; Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training; Ministry of Communication Technologies; Ministry of Cultural Affairs; Ministry of Family, Women, Children and the Elderly; and the National Institute of Statistics.
The Committee will issue its concluding observations on the report of Tunisia after the conclusion of its one hundred and sixteenth session on 5 December. The programme of work and other documents related to the session can be found here. Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.
The Committee will next meet in public on Thursday, 4 December at 10 a.m. to hold an event commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Report
The Committee has before it the combined twentieth to twenty-second periodic reports of Tunisia (CERD/C/TUN/20-22).
Presentation of Report
MOHAMED BEN AYAD, Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Tunisians Abroad and head of the delegation, said Tunisia affirmed its fulfilment of its obligations under the Convention. The State party’s report was the result of an extensive and intensive consultative and participatory process carried out by the National Committee for Coordination, Preparation, Reporting and Follow-Up to Human Rights Recommendations with several Government agencies; independent national bodies; civil society organizations; groups of children, adolescents and young people; and other stakeholders.
Tunisia was keen to enshrine the principle of equality and non-discrimination in its legislative system and adhered to it in the formulation of its policies, programmes and action plans. The State monitored and deterred violations by individuals of existing legislation and laws, including those related to racial discrimination. It was committed to protecting all residents in its territory from racial discrimination through State laws and institutions.
Tunisia was the first country to officially abolish slavery in 1846 and was also one of the first countries to ratify the Convention in 1967. The Convention was the first treaty ratified by Tunisia after it gained independence, and since ratification, the State had been actively involved in all United Nations and regional frameworks related to non-discrimination. In 2018, Tunisia adopted an organic act on the elimination of racial discrimination, which would provide legal accountability for this crime, guarantee reparation for victims of discrimination, and facilitate their access to justice. The Constitution of July 2022 stipulated that “citizens are equal in rights and duties and are equal before the law without any discrimination”. Several important laws had also been promulgated that provided guarantees for the protection of the rights of all those who had been victims of discrimination.
In recent years, Tunisia had faced unprecedented flows of irregular migrants that were beyond its capacity. The State had mobilised its resources to support these migrants. In 2011, the State received around one million people from Libya, representing a tenth of Tunisia’s population. The State had also for decades been receiving migrants of sub-Saharan African origin, who enjoyed all the rights and services afforded to them by law; their entry was regulated according to international laws.
Tunisia was committed to the protection of foreign residents of all nationalities and determined to address irregular migration within the national and international legal framework. Through its voluntary repatriation programme, Tunisia ensured that irregular migrants were returned to their countries of origin in a safe manner that preserved human dignity and complied with relevant international obligations. This was done in coordination with the International Organization for Migration and within the framework of reintegration programmes in the countries of origin. Tunisia called for greater international solidarity in combatting irregular migration and for establishing a comprehensive approach to migration. The President of the Republic had convened a summit of the Community of Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan African States that explored solutions to the root causes of migration and its various repercussions in Rome in July 2023.
Tunisian law guaranteed the political rights of Tunisian citizens without discrimination. It also allowed the freedom of assembly and association of Black citizens, minorities, migrants and refugees in accordance with the legislation in force. Associations of all types, including Amazigh associations, participated in regional and national consultations organised by the State in the field of human rights and in areas related to the fight against racial discrimination. The State also worked to guarantee economic, social and cultural rights, such as the right to education, health and housing without discrimination. Foreign students, especially sub-Saharan Africans, benefitted from scholarships for studying in Tunisian public universities, and the State party was providing health services to foreigners and migrants, including irregular migrants, in public health institutions.
Tunisia was also keen to protect the rights of migrant workers and to combat forced labour, child labour and trafficking in persons. One example of the State’s legislative efforts for migrant workers was law 16 of 2025 on the regulation of employment contracts, which aimed to protect migrant workers from economic exploitation, and other laws that sought to make workplaces safer for migrant workers in various sectors.
The State party looked forward to a positive and constructive dialogue with the Committee to discuss the progress made in the implementation of the provisions of the Convention and the challenges facing the State, which it hoped would lead to meaningful and actionable recommendations.
Questions by Committee Experts
IBRAHIMA GUISSE, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said Tunisia had submitted its report pursuant to recommendations made in 2009. Tunisia was the first country in the Middle East to develop a law on discrimination, organic act 2018-50. The State party’s report described significant institutional and demographic shifts over the last 10 years, following the Tunisian revolution during the Arab Spring, a period in which many migrants had come to the country. The dialogue would focus on these changes.
Tunisia did not collect official data on the ethnic composition of Tunisian society, including national or ethnic minorities or the indigenous population. Could the delegation provide such data? What different ethnic groups were represented among stateless persons, migrants, undocumented migrants, refugees and asylum seekers? Could people identify as an ethnicity in the census, and did the census allow for anonymity? What measures were in place to improve the situation of ethnic minorities and non-citizens?
The Committee had, in its previous recommendations in 2009, called on the State party to promote the right to self-determination of the Amazigh. Did the State party intend to take measures to recognise the status of Amazigh indigenous peoples and protect their collective rights? The Committee commended the State party for repealing the 1965 circular that imposed restrictions on the choice of first names given by parents to their children when they were registered in the civil registry. However, there were still mayors and municipalities that continued to refuse to register newborns with Amazigh names. How was the State implementing and monitoring the implementation of this new policy? Were there safe channels for reporting non-compliance?
How was the State promoting Amazigh cultural studies in official school curricula? Would the Amazigh language Tamazight, classified as a critically endangered language, be taught in schools in areas inhabited by the Amazigh? Had any measures been taken to promote the use of Tamazight in administrative and judicial proceedings, and to promote the dissemination of Tamazight programmes on public media, as recommended by the Committee in 2009?
Tunisian institutions such as the Assembly of People's Representatives did not include any Amazigh representatives, and there were no Amazigh representatives in the Constituent Assembly when the new Constitution was drafted in 2014. Could the delegation provide information on the participation and representation of Tunisians of African descent and Amazigh in the public sector, including decision-making positions, parliament and the judiciary?
Black Tunisians continued to face significant socio-economic disadvantages compared to other citizens. They were more likely to live in rural areas, less likely to complete primary education, and nearly twice as likely to be unemployed. Many lived in extreme poverty. Black Tunisians also had limited access to higher education and were largely absent from the political, media and public spheres. What measures were in place to improve their socio-economic situation, including by increasing access to education and employment?
Slavery was officially abolished in Tunisia in 1846; however, social stigma and discrimination against Black Tunisians was a significant and persistent problem. The Committee was concerned about reports of racism rooted in historical legacies of slavery and colonisation, exacerbated by inflammatory rhetoric by political leaders. Black Tunisians were also victims of economic exploitation and various forms of violence. What measures were in place to combat racial discrimination against Black Tunisians and stigma related to slavery, and ensure equal representation of Black Tunisians in the media and public life?
Black Tunisians continued to face systemic discrimination in employment and career progression. Cultural legacies of slavery persisted, including surnames referring to submission, such as the prefix Atig (“freed by”), which many descendants of slaves still bore. What measures had the State party taken to remove these surnames and address systemic discrimination against Black Tunisians in employment?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Tunisian social surveys and the national census did not include variables related to religion or ethnicity of individuals. However, they did collect data on foreign nationals who had lived in the country for six months or more. The most recent census found that 42.8 per cent of foreign nationals were employed. Tunisia currently hosted around 5,500 refugees and 2,300 asylum seekers. More than 80 per cent of this group were males. The largest numbers came from Syria, Somalia, Eritrea, Cameroon and Mali. Children represented 17 per cent of this group, and five per cent were unaccompanied minors.
Discrimination on any basis was not permitted in the Constitution or in national laws. The State enshrined the principle of equality and non-discrimination in all relevant legislative provisions. Its education system promoted human rights and equality. Education was compulsory up to the age of 16. Effective vocational training was provided by the State, and although Arabic was the main language of instruction, the State was also open to other languages, religions and civilizations. The State guaranteed the right to education for all children up to age 16, and discrimination in schools was not tolerated.
Tunisia was working to protect ethnic minorities and their cultural expressions. The Constitution guaranteed the right to culture and the freedom to create cultural associations. The State upheld its cultural heritage and worked to protect the cultures of ethnic minorities, including those of Black Tunisians. It had created spaces for grassroots Arabic artistic movements. Tunisia had also ratified the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Convention on Cultural Diversity in 2025. The State had worked to preserve several Amazigh villages and had organised activities promoting and protecting Amazigh music, dance, clothing, cuisine and craftmanship. It had financed Amazigh associations, cultural festivals, and celebrations of the Amazigh New Year.
Questions by Committee Experts
PELA BOKER-WILSON, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked for information on reports that it was forbidden to practice the Baha’i faith in Tunisia.
One Committee Expert said that Tunisia was known in the region for its tolerance and openness. The Expert said that the State party had been keen to promote a national identity, which was why it had not collected data on ethnicity.
FAITH DIKELEDI PANSY TLAKULA, Committee Expert and Follow-Up Rapporteur, asked whether the Black Tunisians referred to in the State party’s report were Tunisians of African descent. Had the State party implemented the Committee’s previous recommendation to allow for the registration of Amazigh associations?
A Committee Expert said that the President had accused migrants of crimes in 2023 and referred to the “great replacement theory”. This had incited violence and mass protests, in which more than 900 persons, including 300 migrants, were arrested. Did these migrants have access to interpretation and legal aid during their hearings, and did these arrests lead to sentences?
Another Committee Expert asked for more information about asylum seekers in Tunisia. What percentage of them were children? How was the State party addressing racist mentalities?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said all births that took place inside the territory of Tunisia were registered according to State law. In July 2020, circular 13 on birth registration was adopted, which abolished the previous law on birth registration and made it possible for parents to choose the names of their children without restriction. All municipalities needed to respect this legislation.
Tunisia had always opened its arms to the diverse populations of the world, including the Amazigh. All persons were treated equally in Tunisia, regardless of their residency status. Black Tunisians were indeed Tunisians of African descent. Tunisia was a proud African nation. Black Tunisians were nationals who enjoyed the same rights as other nationals. Tunisia did not distinguish according to skin colour. It had been working for decades to combat slavery.
Tunisia welcomed all religions. Persons of Baha’i faith had applied to establish the Tunisian Baha’i Society. However, the State did not allow naming of societies after religions, on the basis of equality. Persons of Baha’i faith were active members of Tunisian society.
State law promoted cultural diversity and the culture of the Amazigh people, who had the right to set up their own associations. There were several associations working to support Amazigh culture.
Questions by a Committee Expert
PELA BOKER-WILSON, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, commended the State party for adopting organic act 2018-50, a stand-alone law on racial discrimination and related offences. What was the scope of the act and what progress had been made in its implementation? The organic act did not define indirect discrimination. What efforts had been made to incorporate indirect and de facto discrimination into domestic laws? What measures had been taken to develop a comprehensive strategy and a national action plan to combat racism, racial discrimination and intolerance?
Had the National Commission to Combat Racial Discrimination that had been created by the act been formally established and had its members been appointed? What measures had been taken to strengthen the mandate of the National Commission to effectively promote human rights, and monitor and evaluate progress in implementing the Convention independently and transparently?
In May 2024, authorities launched an unprecedented crackdown on organizations and individuals supporting refugees and migrants. At least 10 people remained in pre-trial detention, including eight human rights defenders. In October 2024, financial authorities opened investigations into over a dozen non-governmental organizations, questioning staff on funding and activities. Could the delegation provide information on these reports?
Could the State party provide information on efforts to implement decrees 2011-88, 2011-87, and 2011-115, which prohibited actions by organizations and political parties that incited violence, intolerance or discrimination, and promoted freedom of the press? What measures were in place to combat racist hate speech, including in political discourse, the media and online? Decree 2011-116 created the Independent High Authority for Audiovisual Communication to address racist hate speech. What activities had the Authority carried out and how had it monitored incitement to hate speech in the media?
What legislation and policies had been put in place to ensure that the police and other law enforcement agents did not engage in racial discrimination, including racially motivated violence and practices that amounted to racial profiling? Could the State party provide details on court cases related to acts of racial discrimination and hate speech over the reporting period and their outcomes?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Tunisia supported victims of acts of racial discrimination and hate speech pursuant to national and international laws, particularly organic act 2018-50. The State worked to guarantee victims’ access to justice and rights to lodge civil cases and complaints with courts. In 2024, there were 14 cases heard under law 2018-50 involving 18 accused persons. Bodies had been created in first-instance courts to provide unconditional legal aid to victims and the State also provided material support for victims. Foreigners were also entitled to receive legal aid. There were programmes in courts promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities and supporting pregnant women and foreigners.
Law 2018-50 established the National Commission to Combat Racial Discrimination. The competent authorities had endeavoured to create that Commission promptly. The State was devoting sufficient resources to gathering data on racial discrimination and developing public policies to prevent all forms of racial discrimination in the media and other spheres. The Commission would work with other public bodies and develop proposals for new laws on combatting racial discrimination.
The State was harmonising regulatory frameworks related to law enforcement with the Convention. It had created a code of conduct for law enforcement, which stressed that law enforcement needed to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and engage with citizens in a neutral manner. A human rights module and a module on the status of victims were included in training syllabuses for law enforcement officers. In April 2023, the State party launched a policy on supervision and follow-up of security forces. Inspections of these forces were conducted and officers were held accountable for violations.
Questions by a Committee Expert
IBRAHIMA GUISSE, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said there had recently been an increase in anti-migrant sentiment, including by political and public figures. The Committee called on authorities to publicly condemn this discourse and to work to combat all forms of racial discrimination, particularly against Black Tunisians.
How was the State party strengthening the security framework and reducing irregular stays, while combatting human rights violations against migrants and asylum seekers? How was the State party investigating excessive use of force against these persons? What measures had the State party taken to combat trafficking in persons and investigate cases of trafficking? Expulsions of migrants had often led to refoulement at border areas. This phenomenon had become more common since 2023. Between 2023 and 2025, authorities had deported at least 11,500 refugees and migrants. What measures had the State party taken to halt these collective deportations? What procedural guarantees were available for deportees?
Tunisian authorities reportedly used the Ouardia Reception and Orientation Centre as an administrative detention centre for holding migrants and refugees for an indeterminate period of time. The former Chair of the African Trainees and Apprentices Association in Tunisia had reportedly been held in this centre. Could information on this centre be provided? There were concerns regarding a lack of transparency in the protocol signed between the European Union and Tunisia in 2023 on search and rescue operations for migrants at sea. Could more information be provided on this agreement?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Tunisia took various measures to counter illegal entry into the country, while conforming to international standards on ensuring human dignity and physical integrity. The State was taking measures to protect migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. It provided legal guarantees to all persons in Tunisian territory without discrimination. Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers were provided with access to healthcare. Complaints about the actions of security forces could be made through hotlines established by national and international organizations. Investigations were conducted into all reports of violations by public officials against migrants. Tunisia had signed the 1951 Refugee Convention and its Optional Protocol, and the National High Commission for Refugees dealt with all aspects related to granting of refugee status.
The agreement with the European Union aimed to strengthen cooperation to reduce irregular migration while protecting and saving lives. It sought to address factors that promoted irregular migration, such as poverty and instability, and promoted the provision of work and student permits to regular migrants to expand their opportunities. The agreement also sought to address the consequences of large inflows of migrants into the European Union and support the repatriation of irregular Tunisian migrants from the European Union. Tunisia had never been part of regional or international agreements that ran counter to human rights.
Tunisia had ratified major international instruments on trafficking in persons and organised transnational crime. It worked to address all forms of exploitation, prevent trafficking, and punish perpetrators in accordance with these instruments. A national commission to combat trafficking in persons had been set up; it comprised specialists and representatives of non-governmental organizations. Technical support and resources were provided to the commission by the Ministry of Justice. The commission was organising training workshops for officers that responded to trafficking cases and members of the judiciary to ensure the best implementation of the law on trafficking in persons and stronger protection of victims. Over 300 persons had participated in this training since 2024.
Awareness raising campaigns on trafficking had been held to increase public awareness of the issue. The State party was working to develop a database on trafficking in persons. In 2024, almost 200 court cases had been held that related to trafficking and numerous judgements had been handed down against both Tunisians and foreign nationals. Compensation had been provided to victims in 41 cases. Tunisia was also committed to dismantling criminal networks in cooperation with international bodies.
Questions by Committee Experts
IBRAHIMA GUISSE, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said there did not appear to be procedures for the identification of victims of trafficking from sub-Saharan Africa. Was the State party planning to roll out an early identification protocol for victims of trafficking?
PELA BOKER-WILSON, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, called for more information on the prosecution of racial discrimination cases over the reporting period. Were there cases of racial discrimination before the courts that involved police officers? Tunisian coast guards had reportedly resorted to reckless, unlawful and violent actions, including high-speed manoeuvres causing boat capsizing, firing of tear gas, and acts of sexual and gender-based violence. Were these claims valid and what was being done to address complaints of harassment? A large portion of the migrant population worked in informal jobs without social protection, exposing them to abuse. Did the State party have legislation protecting the rights of migrant workers?
Another Committee Expert said decree 54 of 2022 on cybercrimes imposed harsh penalties for vague offences of “spreading false news and rumours”. This was reportedly used to silence the media. In 2022, the President dissolved the High Judicial Council and dismissed 49 judges and prosecutors, replacing them with a temporary council with members largely appointed by the President. The Ministry of Justice announced criminal charges against this group. What was the outcome of these charges? What was the current situation regarding judicial independence in the State?
One Committee Expert asked about steps the State party had taken to ensure that the family members of migrants who had suffered violence or been disappeared had access to justice.
A Committee Expert said several civil society organizations that worked with migrants had been suspended on the pretext of treason and foreign collaboration. Could information on these organizations be provided? The president of one organization had been imprisoned for two years.
Another Committee Expert said questions on judicial independence were not related to the Committee’s mandate.
One Expert said that Committee Experts were independent and were not to seek instruction from any State in carrying out their role. They needed to respect guidelines on impartiality.
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said non-Tunisians enjoyed the same protections granted to Tunisian nationals. Migrants and asylum seekers were protected from racial discrimination under organic law 2018-50. The Tunisian army was responsible for protecting lives at sea in Tunisian waters and provided health care and psychosocial support to migrants in coordination with other State authorities.
Tunisia had ratified all International Labour Organization Conventions related to migrant workers and had implemented law nine of 2025 on the protection of migrant workers. Inspection units conducted inspections of workplaces to identify cases of exploitation of migrant workers in the informal sector. The State party was working to put an end to vulnerable work in the informal sector and protect the rights of migrant workers.
The right to labour was stipulated in the Constitution and the State party took measures to ensure this right. All citizens had the right to work in decent conditions and with adequate wages. The State party had ratified the eight main International Labour Organization Conventions on decent labour. The national labour strategy and the five-year development programme promoted equal opportunities for work.
The national human rights institution had not been established because the parliament had not moved to elect its members. The National Authority on Human and Basic Rights had been established before 2008. The Government was currently developing a plan to restructure public authorities in line with the new Constitution to promote efficiency in the management of public affairs.
There was no oppression of civil society organizations in Tunisia. Such organizations were thriving. The State party coordinated with legal associations and provided them with funding. Arrests of association members had been made on the basis of crimes that they had committed. Freedom of association was guaranteed by the State party. Dissolution of associations was carried out based on decree 88, which allowed the associations subject to dissolution to go through necessary legal procedures.
Tunisia conducted its voluntary repatriation programme in a manner that respected migrants’ dignity. In 2025, voluntary repatriation was carried out for 7,600 migrants, including around 600 children. Migrants subjected to these procedures were provided with psychosocial support and information on support services available in their countries of origin.
Questions by a Committee Expert
PELA BOKER-WILSON, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked how education guidelines promoting ethnic harmony and non-discrimination were being implemented to combat racial discrimination across all school curricula and teacher training programmes? What progress had been made on the initiative to develop a national action plan and communication strategy aimed at promoting a culture of diversity and coexistence? What measures had been taken to raise awareness among the public, civil servants, law enforcement officers, and judicial authorities about the importance of ethnic and cultural diversity and tolerance?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the State party developed school curricula through a participatory approach that aimed to protect children from discrimination. School curricula promoted respect for identity, freedom, justice and human rights, and included education on democratic values. There was an official day for welcoming foreign students and a special module on human rights was included in all university courses. A 2019 guide for foreign students who came to Tunisia provided these students with useful information on transport services and accommodation. Some 81 per cent of foreign students in Tunisia came from sub-Saharan Africa in 2023.
The Convention was addressed in the training programme for new judges, which trained them on addressing racial discrimination, harassment, gender-based violence, hate speech and vulnerability. Over the last five years, around 1,300 judges had participated in this training. Judges also participated in various regional and international training programmes and workshops on human rights.
The Ministry of the Interior had invested in strengthening training for police officers and their trainees. Officers were educated on human rights and international and regional human rights conventions, as well as domestic laws related to human rights. The code of ethics for security forces had been implemented since 2024 to ensure that police protected the best interests of the public.
The Ministry for Children and Religious Affairs was mandated to disseminate culture and ensure respect for religious principles in coordination with religious leaders, while promoting the dignity of individuals and their human rights. Migrants and refugees were warmly welcomed in all schools and the State promoted tolerance of their religious practices. Training programmes were also held for social assistants who worked with migrants.
Questions by Committee Experts
IBRAHIMA GUISSE, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked how the State party dealt with prefixes attached to the names of Black Tunisians that indicated links with slavery.
PELA BOKER-WILSON, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked whether associations with a religious basis could be registered in the State. The Baha’i faith remained unrecognised and the Baha’i community needed to conduct activities informally and online. Other religious groups reportedly had more freedom; why was this?
A Committee Expert referenced the statement made by the President in 2023 that migrants were planning a criminal plot against Tunisia. Following this statement, there had been significant attacks on migrants. What investigations had been carried out into these attacks? In November 2024, 80 people were detained in Tunisia on pollical grounds; what was their status now?
Another Committee Expert asked if measures had been taken to protect Black children at school, who were reportedly often bullied. What measures had the State party taken to improve the representation of Black Tunisians in school textbooks? What had been done to establish an anti-discrimination commission to guide training against acts of discrimination?
Would the State party reconsider its position on establishing a national human rights institution? The Committee had received reports of intimidation of individuals who had cooperated with the Committee in the run-up to the dialogue. Had measures been taken to protect these individuals?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said there was no racist campaign in Tunisia against migrants from sub-Saharan African countries. The State dealt with migrants on a humanitarian and legal basis and punished crimes committed on State territory. All arrests of migrants were conducted based on State law. The length of pre-trial detention had recently been reduced in line with international standards. Migrants who committed violations enjoyed legal protections in line with Tunisian citizens throughout the judicial process.
No religious associations could be formed in Tunisia. Administrative councils organised worship activities for various faiths, including for persons of Jewish faith. All associations in Tunisia were civil associations, even when they served religious purposes.
In 2023, racist behaviours were promoted online against sub-Saharan African migrants. Hotlines had been activated to facilitate reporting of these violations and improve the State’s response. Financial grants were provided to vulnerable foreign nationals.
The State party had set up a committee to promote the best interests of the child. It supported child migrants, including unaccompanied minors and children subject to the voluntary return procedure.
Closing Remarks
IBRAHIMA GUISSE, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, thanked the delegation for the constructive dialogue. The dialogue took place in a complex context, with the Committee not having reviewed the State for over 15 years. Many questions were raised on challenges faced by the State, including related to hate speech and stigmatisation of different groups such as migrants. Based on the topics discussed, the Committee would develop concluding observations that it hoped would be of benefit to the State. The Committee was in the process of developing a general comment on hate speech and xenophobia, two issues raised in the dialogue. These general comments would help the State party with addressing these issues.
MOHAMED BEN AYAD, Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Tunisians Abroad and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the dialogue. He said that the delegation had endeavoured to answer the Committee’s questions. The State party had been determined to implement the Committee’s past recommendations and would continue to work in this spirit. Tunisia was committed to cooperating with treaty bodies. The Committee needed to consider the challenges faced by Tunisia, which the State was not always responsible for. The State party commended the Committee’s efforts in supporting the implementation of the Convention in Tunisia. Mr. Ben Ayad closed by thanking all those who had contributed to the dialogue.
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