Tunisia: New constitution adopted by consensus
| Publisher | Article 19 |
| Publication Date | 27 January 2014 |
| Cite as | Article 19, Tunisia: New constitution adopted by consensus, 27 January 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/52f214dc4.html [accessed 24 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
ARTICLE 19 welcomes the adoption of the Tunisian Constitution, approved by the National Constituent Assembly by an overwhelming majority. It comes three years after protests led to the departure of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.
"This is a landmark step in the democratic transition process. We applaud the way in which different groups within the country have worked together to find a broad consensus, resolving political divisions that had stalled progress six months ago" said Thomas Hughes, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19.
"The Constitution includes a considerable number of provisions that protect fundamental rights, including those on relating to access to information and gender equality. Some aspects of the constitution remain problematic however, including the restriction of religious speech by the prohibition of apostasy. The challenge is now for Tunisia to give life to the Constitution through creating legislation in accordance with international human rights standards concerning freedom of expression" said Hughes.
"Holding peaceful elections will be a key test in the consolidation of the emerging democracy in Tunisia" added Hughes. - See more at: http://www.article19.org/resources.php/resource/37432/en/tunisia:-new-constitution-adopted-by-consensus#sthash.w9cw9p6J.dpuf
