A/HRC/21/5
81.
Regarding the statutory limitation on the crime of torture, Tunisia stated that a draft
law was under discussion in the Constituent Assembly which, if adopted, would abolish
this limitation.
82.
With regard to the new Constitution, the delegation indicated that there was a
national consensus to incorporate provisions guaranteeing the principle of equality between
men and women, as well as equal rights for people with special needs. Contradictory
provisions in existing laws would be amended so as to ensure that people with special needs
will be treated as equal citizens enjoying all their rights.
83.
Tunisia further assured that it would not allow impunity and that violations which
occurred before and after the revolution would be prosecuted equally. The transitional
justice process would be essential to establish the truth and punish perpetrators, which was
a prerequisite to reconciliation.
84.
Regarding trafficking in human beings, Tunisia indicated that it was reviewing
existing legislation, including Law No. 5 of 2003 which prohibits human trafficking, in
light of the provision of the Palermo Protocol. Recently, Tunisia had also formed a
National Committee to combat human trafficking, especially women and children.
85.
Furthermore, a committee had been formed to review the law governing the actions
of the law enforcement personnel and prepare a draft law on the right of peaceful assembly.
The aim was to fully taking into account the freedom of expression and protest while
maintaining security, in accordance with international human rights standards. The draft
law would be presented soon to the Council of Ministers and eventually would be
submitted to the Constituent Assembly.
86.
Concerning women’s rights, Tunisia informed that Decree No. 103 of 2011 provided
for the withdrawal of all reservations to CEDAW, in order to further promote the principle
of equality between men and women. Law No. 55 of 2010 had amended provisions of the
Tunisian Nationality Code to allow Tunisian women married to a foreigner to pass their
nationality to their children in the same way as men.
87.
On question relating to freedom of expression, Tunisia noted that the Ministry of
Communication, which had overseen the use of media for propaganda purposed, had been
abolished. Decree No. 116 of 2011 envisaged the creation of an independent national body
to oversee the media, without affecting their freedom. Censorship on the Internet had also
ended, which was an irreversible choice, bearing in mind also the role of electronic media
in the Tunisian revolution.
88.
Kuwait appreciated and fully respected the transformation which had been taking
place in Tunisia since the launch of the revolution to create a new democratic State. Kuwait
asked about measures taken to prevent the crime of torture from recurring.
89.
Kyrgyzstan commended Tunisia for the extension of an open invitation to special
procedures, withdrawal of declaration and reservation to CRC and adoption of gender
parity requirement in the Constituent Assembly electoral law. It also praised Tunisia for the
steps taken in investigating crimes committed during the uprising. Kyrgyzstan made
recommendations.
90.
Lebanon welcomed the democratic elections and the ratification of several
international human rights instruments, particularly CAT. Lebanon asked about additional
measures planned to take to ensure the full implementation of the Convention.
91.
Libya commended Tunisia on its commitment to uphold its international human
rights obligations and said that the political process was going in the right direction. It made
a recommendation.
12
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents