Solidarity Statement on the Suspension of the Tunisian League for Human Rights and Targeting of Civil Society in Tunisia
Solidarity Statement on the Suspension of the Tunisian League for Human Rights and Targeting of Civil Society in Tunisia
The Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND) expresses its deep concern regarding the decision issued on 24 April 2026 to suspend the activities of the Tunisian League for Human Rights for a period of one month.
The Tunisian League for Human Rights, a long-established and respected human rights organization, has played a key role in the country’s human rights landscape. This measure, reportedly taken without clear public justification or due process, raises concerns regarding respect for legal safeguards and freedom of association in Tunisia.
It also reflects a broader and increasingly concerning pattern of restrictions affecting civil society actors in Tunisia. In 2025, similar measures targeted prominent organizations, including the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women and the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights. At the same time, smear campaigns have also targeted institutions such as the Arab Institute for Human Rights, which has publicly refuted false allegations and clarified that it is currently the subject of a coordinated campaign of misinformation and reputational attacks.
At a time when Tunisia is scheduled to review its commitment to achieving sustainable human development during the High-Level Political Forum 2026 and has launched its Voluntary National Review process, within which meaningful engagement of civil society is essential, these developments reflect weakening of inclusive and participatory processes, growing pressure on independent voices and collectively point to a shrinking civic space.
This is particularly concerning in light of Tunisia’s obligations under international human rights instruments, including its ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as its commitments enshrined in its Constitution, and legal framework governing civil society notably Decree-Law No. 88 of 2011 on associations.
ANND calls on the Tunisian authorities to:
| ● | Immediately lift the suspension imposed on the Tunisian League for Human Rights; |
| ● | Ensure full respect for the independence and work of civil society organizations; |
| ● | Uphold Tunisia’s national and international commitments to protect civic space and fundamental freedoms; |
| ● | Put an end to smear campaigns and reputational attacks targeting civil society organizations, including the Arab Institute for Human Rights. |
ANND reaffirms its solidarity with civil society actors in Tunisia and reiterates that safeguarding civic space is a fundamental condition for democratic governance and inclusive social and economic development in the region.
Recent publications
Déclaration de solidarité concernant la suspension de la Ligue tunisienne des droits de l’Homme et le ciblage de la société civile en Tunisie
