AU, G77, NAM
“Angola welcomes Tunisia’s efforts to promote fundamental rights and freedoms… Tunisia has made such significant [progress] when it comes to reducing poverty… Tunisia has reinforced its democratic systems further… We would like to know what the impact of reform of the 2006 Press Code has been – the impact of freedom of expression.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia’s alleged progress instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 7
AZERBAIJAN Not Free EE, OIC “The direct application of international human rights treaties and their invocation before the national courts is a significant and commendable development… We equally appreciate the measures taken by Tunisia in legislative and practical procedural fields aimed at
implementing the recommendation formulated by the treaty bodies.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia’s laws and legal institutions, while failing to note shortcomings in actual implementation of these human rights instruments.
- 5
BAHRAIN Partly Free Arab League, Asian Group, G77, OIC, NAM
“We commend Tunisia for the report. It shows the importance Tunisia attaches to human rights… I can not but praise the measures which were described, particularly the strengthening of the role of the Supreme Council on Human Rights in line with the Paris Principles.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 6
RATING
BANGLADESH Partly Free Asian Group, NAM, OIC
“Human rights is best protected in an environment of plurality, where good
governance and the rule of law is well-rooted, [the] judiciary is independent, and the media is free. In all these areas, the Tunisian record and reputation is praiseworthy… Tunisia has made tremendous progress in recent years in socioeconomic development… Tunisia has achieved enviable success in improving the status of women.”
Negative
Strongly praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
Praise extends to issues in which Tunisia warrants much criticism.
- 10
BOSNIA Free EE, G77 “In this report we recognize a positive-oriented and objective self-assessment… We especially welcome the announcement of the new decision by the government of Tunisia in order to enhance the process of human rights protection and to consider cooperation with the UN and regional bodies.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia’s alleged progress instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 4
BRAZIL Free G77, GRULAC “How do the Tunisian authorities assess the implementation of such advancements in the promotion of freedom and peaceful coexistence of religions and beliefs? What are the major advancements in the promotion of women’s rights, and what concrete impact have these legal measures had to ensure the advancement of social and political status of women, as well as the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women?”
Positive
Cautiously challenges Tunisia on freedom of religion and women’s rights.
2
CANADA Free JUSCANZ, WEOG “We join with Latvia in its recommendations regarding cooperation with the mechanism to combat torture… Could [the Tunisian
delegation] perhaps elaborate on measures to be taken by the government relating to questions raised on the independence of the judiciary?”
Positive
Poses weak challenges on torture and judicial independence.
4
RATING
CHINA Not Free Asian Group, G77 “Tunisia works constructively for the protection and promotion of civil and political rights, economic social and cultural rights, and the right to development. It cooperates well with human rights treaty bodies and the Human Rights Council.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia on several issues instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 7
CUBA Not Free GRULAC, NAM “It’s committed to continuing economic development and its achievements here have been impressive, in spite of difficult
international circumstances… We would encourage Tunisia, and recommend that they continue along the path that has distinguished them in the field of economic, social, and cultural rights, particularly in the empowerment of Tunisian women.”
Negative
Strongly praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
-8
DJIBOUTI Partly Free African Group, NAM, OIC
“You say that Tunisia is recognized as a model country for the progressive achievement of social and cultural rights. We would like to confirm this because Djibouti has drawn inspiration from the Tunisian model to better develop its conceptual framework for combating poverty.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
-6
EGYPT Not Free African Group, Arab League, AU, G77, NAM, OIC
“This report on human rights very largely reflects the huge progress achieved by this brother country… When it comes to women’s rights and children’s rights, we would be grateful for more details…in order to ensure that the country can encourage its social
renaissance.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia’s alleged progress instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
-6
RATING
FRANCE Free EU, WEOG “I would like to raise two points… The first relates to respect for the rights of children and their protection: I would like to know what additional measures Tunisia might implement.
And the second relates to the activity of NGOs working in the human rights field: I would like to know how Tunisia intends to facilitate the work of these NGOs.”
Positive
Implicitly addresses children’s rights and NGO operations, though in generic and cautious manner.
2
GHANA Free African Group, AU “We commend, in particular, recent measures taken by the government…and recent amendments in its code of penal procedure, aimed at respecting the rights of suspects during trial procedures. We also note the positive developments in the promotion of women’s rights… With the level of commitment demonstrated by the Government of Tunisia to create a conducive environment to the
enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights of its people, the international community owes it as a duty to assist it.”
Negative
Strongly praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 9
INDIA Free Asian Group, G77,
NAM
“My delegation would like to commend Tunisia for its comprehensive efforts to integrate the study of human rights into all levels of its education system, as well as law enforcement and health agencies. The emphasis given and respect for pluralism and tolerance in Tunisia’s fight against incitement to racial and religious hatred is indeed praiseworthy. We also join in Tunisia’s call to the international community to give top priority to combating the menace of terrorism.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 7
RATING
INDONESIA Free Asian Group, G77, NAM, OIC
“Tunisia is working in partnership with civil societies and NGOs vigorously promoting freedom of the press, is continuing enhancing the independency of its judiciary and promoting social and cultural rights, such as the right to education and health, and for the efforts to eradicate poverty.”
Negative
Strongly praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 8
IRAN Not Free Asian Group, G77, NAM, OIC
“We commend the valuable efforts and strong commitments of the Government of Tunisia for the promotion and protection of all human rights… I would also like to ask if you could elaborate further on the steps taken by the Government to face the effects of globalization.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
Implicitly blames human rights shortcomings on globalization rather than Tunisia’s policies.
- 6
ITALY Free EU, WEOG “We welcome the announcement made by his Excellency the President of Tunisia to confirm the de facto moratorium on the death penalty.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia’s abolition of the death penalty instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 3
JAPAN Free Asian Group,
JUSCANZ
“Tunisia is an ever more democratic society which is demonstrating major compliance with human rights in the Arab world. The status of women is also very high in the country…
Combating terrorism is an urgent matter; we are interested to know how Tunisia intends to achieve this objective whilst complying with human rights? How does Tunisia intend to continue to promote rights of freedom of association? How does Tunisia intend to develop its relations with NGOs?”
Positive
Strongly praises Tunisia, but also poses weak and implicit challenges on freedom of association, NGO activities, and counterterrorism strategies.
2
RATING
JORDAN Partly Free Arab League, Asian Group, G77, NAM, OIC
“In the context of multilateral communications with Tunisia, we would like to pay special tribute to the special efforts of Tunisia… We would like [the Minister] to continue working on the enhancement of the dialogue between civilizations and religions.”
Negative Praises Tunisia.
Recommendation is not an actual human rights challenge.
- 3
LIBYA Not Free African Group, Arab League, AU, G77, NAM, OIC
“Politically, socially, culturally, and
economically speaking, Tunisia has done a great deal to promote human rights, and we note that freedom of expression is guaranteed for all [and]
the judiciary is independent, pluralism is a real fact in Tunisia, and human rights are promoted in real programs and curricula.”
Negative
Strongly praises Tunisia in several areas, such as freedom of expression, where Tunisia in fact deserves censure.
-10
MADAGASCAR Partly Free African Group, AU, G77, NAM
“Your country has been able to reduce poverty because of its comprehensive economic approach… My delegation also welcomes the adoption of the UN General Assembly of the Global Solidarity Plan, which was initiated by Tunisia.”
Negative
Praises specific policies of Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 5
MALAYSIA Partly Free Asian Group, G77, NAM, OIC
“Tunisia has ratified nearly all the international human rights instruments. Towards this end, Tunisia has undertaken various measures to give effect to these instruments… We note that Tunisia in its National Report has highlighted the international dimension of the challenges faced by the Government in consolidating progress in human rights promotion and
protection, which includes terrorism, extremism, and abuses by media and perverse effects of globalization.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
Fails to note discrepancies between Tunisia’s legal institutions for human rights and actual implementation.
Blames human rights challenges on external actors rather than Tunisia’s policies.
- 8
RATING
MEXICO Free GRULAC “The Minister talked of progress in gender equality, and we therefore recommend that they withdraw reservations on the Convention of the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women… We recommend in particular that consideration be given to cooperation with bodies connected with combating torture… We would like to ask the Minister whether there is any reform to the Law on Associations contemplated.”
Positive
Challenges Tunisia on women’s rights, torture, and freedom of association.
Makes specific and concrete recommendations.
6
NETHERLANDS Free EU, WEOG “We welcome the statement that was recently made by President Ben Ali that the death penalty will no longer be executed in Tunisia… We would like to emphasize the importance of the implementation in practice of the safeguards available under Tunisian law against torture and ill-treatment.”
Positive
Praises Tunisia for its elimination of the death penalty.
Weakly and cautiously challenges Tunisia on torture.
2
NIGERIA Partly Free African Group, G77, NAM, OIC
“We commend Tunisia for…the progress it has made in advancing the rights of women, children, and indeed its poverty agenda in general. We recognize Tunisia’s successes in guaranteeing civil and political rights, media pluralism and independence of the judiciary as well as wide ranging economic and social rights… We therefore wish to urge Tunisia to highlight those areas in which the government needs technical support and assistance to achieve these laudable objectives.”
Negative
Strongly praises Tunisia, including on issues where it deserves censure.
Blames human rights shortcomings on lack of government capacity, and argues that the solution lies in external aid rather than a change in Tunisia’s policies.
- 10
RATING
PAKISTAN Not Free Asian Group, G77, NAM, OIC
“I would particularly like to stress the modifications and amendments to the constitution to strengthen the protection of human rights… Tunisia’s achievements in the field of human rights are well known.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 6
PHILIPPINES Partly Free Asian Group, G77, NAM
“We believe that we can learn from Tunisia’s best practices in promoting and protecting human rights in the age of globalization… As the Philippines is unfortunately not French speaking, we would appreciate if Tunisia can briefly identify the salient features of the law…
On the theme, ‘The Age of Enlightenment in Europe’ used in Tunisian religious instruction manuals…the Philippines would appreciate if Tunisia can elaborate on how this theme relates to religious instruction…rather than of history or philosophy.”
Negative Praises Tunisia.
Raises issues unrelated to human rights, including request that Tunisia provide a translation of its law.
- 3
QATAR Not Free Arab League, Asian Group, G77, NAM, OIC
“Tunisia has ratified most of the relevant instruments and conventions dealing with human rights… Also note that Tunisia is seeking to reinforce the bodies which are seeking to promote human rights… There is an ever-increasing number of NGOs in the country, and this is not anything odd for Tunisia, which welcomes NGOs.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia, including on its welcoming of NGOs, when the reality is the opposite.
-7
RUSSIA Not Free EE, OIC (observer) “This demonstrates Tunisia’s commitment to fundamental democratic values, and Tunisia’s readiness to work to protect and promote human rights… NGOs working in the area of human rights enjoy particular support on behalf of the Tunisian government.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia on its
commitment to democracy and support of NGOs, when the reality is the opposite.
- 6
RATING
SAUDI ARABIA Not Free Arab League, Asian Group, G77, NAM, OIC
“Tunisia has worked a real renaissance in terms of promotion and protection of human rights.
I should stress that the Tunisian constitution has always considered that international
commitments prevailed over the constitution…
Tunisia, I should point out, has just said that they intend to review the mandate of the Supreme Council… Will this reform still reflect the Paris Principles?”
Negative
Praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
Question on Tunisia’s human rights institution not posed as clear challenge.
- 5
SENEGAL Free African Group,
AU, G77, NAM, OIC
“Speaking of human rights in Tunisia, we must think of the position of women… I would like to hear from you insofar as possible on account of efforts made to ensure that progress made is irreversible.”
Negative
Recommends that Tunisia’s progress on women’s rights be
“irreversible,” but fails to hold Tunisia accountable for ongoing shortcomings in this field.
- 3
SLOVENIA Free EE, EU “CEDAW expressed concern at the lack of legal remedies or court decisions in which women have obtained redress. Has the Government of Tunisia already adapted appropriate measures to ensure women’s equal access to paid
employment?”
Positive
Challenges Tunisia on specific issue of women’s rights.
4
SOUTH AFRICA Free African Group, AU, G77, NAM
“The preservation of life through the abolition of the death penalty is herewith commended… Of interest to my delegation is the impressive economic policy.”
Negative
Praises abolition of death penalty and economic development instead of holding Tunisia accountable for human rights violations.
- 5
RATING
SOUTH KOREA Free Asian Group, JUSCANZ
“My delegation believes Tunisia fully deserves CEDAW’s positive assessment about the practice of women’s rights… In the mean time, we note that the Tunisian government still retains several reservations with the respect [to]
the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women. My
delegation expects the Tunisian government will give this issue more thorough consideration in order not to discredit its good reputation in women’s status in the society.”
Positive
Praises Tunisia’s progress on women’s rights, but follows with call for additional measures.
3
SUDAN Not Free African Group, AU, G77, NAM, OIC
“Requesting that Special Rapporteurs visit the country, I think this is worthy of praise, so is the fact that the Paris Principles are being applied and, in particular, we should welcome the withdrawal of reservations to certain human rights instruments, in particular the CEDAW convention.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia on a number of specific issues instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 7
SYRIA Not Free Arab League, Asian Group, OIC
“We note what was mentioned about the fields of health, education, and the status of women…
Tunisia’s concern regarding these fields have been applauded by many international organizations.”
Negative
Praises Tunisia instead of holding it accountable for ongoing violations.
- 6
UKRAINE Free EE “I should like to note the broad based
consultations that the government undertook, in particular consulting with civil society in order to draft this report… You mentioned the huge threat constituted by terrorism, extremism, and excesses in the media. What measures is the government going to take to deal with these challenges?”
Negative Praises Tunisia.
Poses question that is congratulatory rather than an actual human rights challenge.
- 3
RATING