CONTACT: Tunis, Marion Volkmann +216 50 666 649; Atlanta, Deborah Hakes +1 404 420 5124
Â鶹´«Ã½É«ÇéƬ, working to support a successful transition to democracy in Tunisia, has evaluated the country's working constitutional draft and assessed the extent to which it is consistent with obligations under public international law. While the draft underscores the authorities' strong commitment to democratic reform following the revolution, it continues to fall short on critical guarantees of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In a report released June 12 (PDF), Carterelaborates on these and other areas of concern, in order to assist the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) in its drafting process.
On June 1, Tunisia NCA President Mustafa Ben Jaâfar officially presented a final draft of a new Tunisian constitution to the media. This draft now will undergo an article-by-article debate in the NCA, giving plenary members one last opportunity to consider revisions.
Carterrecognizes the importance of the work carried out by the NCA, the extent of the progress made throughout the different drafts of the constitution, and the willingness of assembly members to take into account the opinions and views expressed throughout the process by political representatives, civil society, and citizens. Overall, the various consultation mechanisms were productive in reaching consensus on key issues. The NCA has demonstrated its ability to take into account numerous suggestions, including the overall structure of the draft, the internal coherence of the text, and in particular concerns expressed regarding the protection of certain fundamental rights and liberties. Nevertheless, Carternotes that, despite this progress, several important issues should be addressed.
The Center calls upon NCA members to ensure that the future constitution upholds Tunisia's international treaty obligations on human rights and political freedoms, including the freedom of religion, expression, association, and assembly. The current text lacks clear provisions articulating strong protections for these and other fundamental liberties, and does not adequately address the limited conditions under which international law allows such fundamental rights to be restricted. The Center further urges NCA members to ensure protections for the significant advances that Tunisia has made regarding the role of women and minorities in society, and to establish clear constitutional protections for women's rights and against discrimination in all its forms, including discrimination based on religious beliefs. To protect these rights and the overall gains of the revolution, the Center recommends that the Constitutional Court be granted full and effective authority in the new constitution to consider the constitutionality of legislation and judicial cases upon its creation.
The Center also encourages the members and leadership of the NCA to commit fully to their work and to efforts to ensure broad popular understanding of the future constitution. While the Center notes that the majority of assembly members are diligent in carrying out their responsibilities, the recurring absence of some members in plenary and working sessions has contributed to a negative perception of the NCA by Tunisian citizens. To address such concerns, the Center encourages all NCA members to participate fully in the article-by-article consideration of the text before its final adoption, so as to fulfill their representative duties, and to broadly disseminate information regarding the deliberations and decisions made.
In the spirit of collaboration and in support of the work of the NCA, Carteroffers the following recommendations for consideration by its members during the article-by-article review. In order to conform fully with international law, the constitution should:
In addition, Â鶹´«Ã½É«ÇéƬ:
Background: Following its observation of National Constituent Assembly elections in October 2011, Cartermaintained a presence in Tunisia to monitor and assess the constitution drafting process and preparations for the next electoral cycle. The Center assesses these processes against Tunisia's international treaty obligations, including, among others, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
This report presents the Carter Center's findings and recommendations based on meetings with a wide range of stakeholders including assembly members and staff, political party representatives, civil society organizations, and academics. The Center's staff attended commission meetings and plenary sessions of the assembly, and the Center is grateful for the cooperation demonstrated by all interlocutors in sharing information and discussing potential areas for improvement.
Read the Center's full report (PDF) >
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"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope." A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, Carterhas helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. Carterwas founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Translations
مركز كارتر یهنئ المجلس الوطني التأسيسي على المسودة النهائية للدستور ویحثه على تكریس حقوق الانسان
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