TUNIS, TUNISIA (HRNW) — Human Rights Watch is calling for stronger international scrutiny of Tunisia as it warns that the country’s human-rights situation has deteriorated dramatically, with civil-society organizations, journalists, political opponents, lawyers and migrants facing increasing restrictions.
In an updated briefing published September 4, Human Rights Watch said Tunisia has moved from a gradual erosion of democratic safeguards toward what it describes as systematic repression of civil society and independent voices.
The organization said the authorities’ pressure on civil-society groups has intensified since 2024, with organizations facing investigations, prosecutions, suspensions and other measures that threaten their ability to operate independently.
Human Rights Watch has urged UN member states and other international actors to maintain close scrutiny of Tunisia and press the government to respect fundamental rights, including freedom of association, expression and peaceful civic participation.
The warning comes just days before the opening of the UN Human Rights Council’s 63rd session in Geneva, where Tunisia’s human-rights record and broader concerns about shrinking civic space are likely to remain important issues for international advocates.
For Tunisian and international rights organizations, the continuing restrictions create significant challenges to documenting abuses, supporting vulnerable communities and defending fundamental freedoms.
Human Rights Watch has called for concrete action to ensure that civil-society organizations and human-rights defenders can work without intimidation, retaliation or unlawful interference.
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Disclaimer:
This report is based on information published by Human Rights Watch and other publicly available sources. The assessments and allegations described are attributed to the respective organizations. HRNW presents the report for public-interest journalism and human-rights awareness.
