Human Rights in Tunisia’s Transition: A View from the Field
As Tunisia is led by a provisional government, how does the country rank on human rights, addressing political violence by intolerant groups, protecting freedom of expression and the rights of women and minorities, and writing a constitution that safeguards the rights of all Tunisians?
Read the event coverage, Tunisian Debate Over Islam, Rights in Constitution Illustrated at USIP Event
Between 2012-2013, Tunisia's political scene has witnessed increasing polarization and occasional violence, culminating in the assassination of Chokri Belaid in February 2013. In this context, Tunisia's national constituent assembly is considering the third and perhaps final draft of its proposed constitution. The constitution-writing process has been protracted by disagreements about allusions to Islam and cultural values, and the primacy of human rights as they are internationally defined.
This event sought to answer how Tunisia ranks on human rights issues, addressing political violence by intolerant groups, protecting freedom of expression and the rights of women and minorities, as it writes a constitution that safeguards the rights of all Tunisians.
- Amel Azzouz, Panelist
Member, Tunisian National Constituent Assembly
Member, Ennahda's Internal Shura Council - Amna Guellali, Panelist
Country Representative to Tunisia, Human Rights Watch - Stephen McInerney, Discussant
Executive Director, Project for Middle East Democracy (POMED) - Joyce Kasee, Discussant
Program Officer, North Africa Program, U.S. Institute of Peace - Daniel Brumberg, Chair
Senior Adviser on Middle East Initiatives, U.S. Institute of Peace
Associate Professor - Democracy & Governance Studies, Georgetown University
This event will be co-sponsored by the Project on Middle East Democracy and the U.S. Institute of Peace.
