A/HRC/8/21
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are also subject of recommendations. On the issue of freedom of expression and freedom of
assembly, Sweden noted that both freedoms are guaranteed in the Constitution of Tunisia but
wanted to know what criteria are used when taking decisions to close down or prohibit the contents
of a specific website. With respect to registration and legal status for civil society organizations,
Sweden asked the Minister to elaborate on the restrictions to obtain those registrations.
40. Mali noted with great interest the presentation and noted with satisfaction the achievements
and various measures taken in field of human rights by Tunisia. Mali had a question with regard to
amendment to the Press Code to strengthen the freedom of press and expression and stressed that
the response provided by the Minister was satisfactory.
41. Azerbaijan congratulated the delegation of Tunisia on the serious preparatory work
undertaken in the preparation of the report, and noted with appreciation that the national report of
Tunisia is the result of extensive consultations within the country, involving civil society, and
stressed the importance of a wide consultation. Azerbaijan also welcomed the promulgation of the
Constitutional Law of 1 June 2002 adopted by referendum that has added the provision into the
Constitution. He noted the priority given by Tunisia to the international instruments on human
rights and their direct application in domestic law. This creates conditions for the value judgement
of the human rights norms and their imperativeness everywhere around the globe, including in
Tunisia. Azerbaijan equally appreciated the measures taken by Tunisia in legislative and practical
procedural fields aimed at implementing the recommendations formulated by the treaty bodies,
such as CAT, CRC, etc. He indicated that it was worth mentioning the activity of the Chief
Committee on Human Rights and Main Freedoms established in 1992 which has been further
developed institutionally in recent years. The National Commission on International Humanitarian
Law is another body to be mentioned in this non-exhaustive list created in the context of the latest
developments on human rights protection which necessitates such protection in all circumstances,
including during armed conflicts. In conclusion, Azerbaijan asked what measures the authorities of
Tunisia plan to put in effect to reinforce the participation of all citizens in public life as well as the
situation related to reinforcement of the independence of judges necessitate judiciary reforms.
42. France thanked Tunisia for the quality of its report. It noted that it was good to identify
recommendations and avenues for future cooperation to support and implement the commitments
made today as this was a future-oriented exercise, and enquired about additional measures with
respect to the rights of children and to the activities of NGOs working on human rights.
43. Bahrain thanked Tunisia for its exhaustive presentation on its human rights achievements and
promotion and protection of human rights, and noted that Tunisia has clearly demonstrated that it is
truly committed to international human rights standards. It also commended Tunisia on its report
which shows the importance it attaches to human rights. Bahrain also especially praised the
measures to strengthen the role of the Higher Committee on Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms in line with the Paris Principles, and asked what latest measures were taken to strengthen
human rights with regard to the Higher Committee on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
44. Sudan asked the Working Group to praise the political steps taken by Tunisia on a voluntary
and definitive basis. It noted that Tunisia has committed to receive special rapporteurs to visit the
country, both within the United Nations system and other human rights organizations; its
compliance with the Paris Principles; its consideration of withdrawing its reservation to the CRC
and CEDAW, as well steps taken towards accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities. He asked also if Tunisia could provide more information regarding vulnerable
groups with specific needs.
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