The Committee for the Respect of Human Rights and Freedoms in Tunisia expresses its solidarity with the Tunisian branch of the international organization “Lawyers Without Borders.” It also expresses its support for all those who work there. The Committee further affirms its solidarity with the victims of human rights violations who have found in this organization a place where they are listened to, supported, and defended in their rights and freedoms.
The suspension of the activities of the organization “Lawyers Without Borders” does not merely affect an independent entity. It also impacts one of the leading organizations active in Tunisia’s civil society. This decision also targets the victims supported by the organization, as well as all those who have found legal assistance and support through its work in the face of human rights violations.
This decision comes amid an ongoing crackdown on independent associations and organizations. Administrative, financial, and legal pressures are mounting. The government is seeking to weaken civil society and silence critical and independent voices. More broadly, this attack targets all the organizations, groups, and individuals who continue to defend rights and freedoms in Tunisia.
Since the coup d’état on July 25—and even before that—the organization “Lawyers Without Borders” has never ceased to defend a democratic political and civic space. It has continued to advocate for an independent, fair, and impartial justice system. Despite intimidation and pressure, the organization continues its work supporting victims and defending the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, and the independence of the judiciary.
What “Lawyers Without Borders” is currently enduring—as did the Tunisian Human Rights League before it, along with numerous independent organizations—clearly demonstrates the direction the government is taking. The regime of Kaïs Saïed is increasingly seeking to criminalize independent civil society work. The administration and the judiciary are gradually being used as tools of political pressure and repression against critical and dissenting voices.
There is no longer any doubt about the path this regime is taking. Threats, hate campaigns and smear campaigns, administrative and financial harassment, suspension of activities, attempts at dissolution: the government is stepping up its attacks on independent spaces. Despite this repression, Tunisian civil society will continue to fight for freedoms, for an independent judiciary, for a true rule of law, and for a life of dignity.
Consequently, the Committee for the Respect of Human Rights and Freedoms in Tunisia:
- expresses its full solidarity with the organization “Lawyers Without Borders”;
- reiterates its solidarity with the Tunisian Human Rights League and with all associations and organizations that have been targeted because of their independence and their positions;
- strongly condemns the repressive policies targeting civil society and attempts to intimidate human rights defenders;
- calls for the immediate revocation of the decision to suspend “Lawyers Without Borders” and for an end to legal proceedings and administrative pressure against independent organizations;
- calls for respect for the freedom of association, freedom of expression, and the right to organize—fundamental rights that the government cannot take away.
