There are organizations whose history extends far beyond their institutional existence. CEDETIM (Center for Studies and Initiatives in International Solidarity) is one such organization. On the occasion of its sixtieth anniversary, it is worth recalling that it was never merely a solidarity organization: it was a place for political education, a think tank, a space for dialogue, and a school of internationalism that has profoundly shaped several generations of activists.
Born out of the anti-colonial struggles, CEDETIM has gradually established itself as a major player in the fight against racism, for the rights of immigrant workers, for equality, for democracy, and for solidarity among peoples. At a time when the struggles for decolonization gave way to those for immigrants’ rights and against dictatorships, it championed a simple yet demanding idea: human rights are universal, and struggles know no borders.
This collective adventure took shape in places that have since become iconic: first on Rue de Vaugirard, then at 14 Rue de Nanteuil, before finding its historic home at 21 ter Rue Voltaire, within the International Center for Popular Culture (CICP). For several decades, this venue welcomed activists from both sides of the Mediterranean, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe. Trade unionists, intellectuals, artists, community leaders, academics, political refugees, and human rights defenders gathered there to debate, develop joint campaigns, and create new forms of solidarity.
For activists with immigrant backgrounds, CEDETIM was a true learning experience. Alongside the Union of Tunisian Immigrant Workers (UTIT), the French-Immigrant Unity Collectives (CUFI), the House of Immigrant Workers, and later the Council of Immigrant Associations in France, it participated in major campaigns for equal rights, against discrimination, for the regularization of undocumented immigrants, and for the recognition of immigrants as agents of their own emancipation. Immigrant workers’ festivals, united campaigns, and local and national mobilizations all reflected a practice of solidarity grounded in participation and collective action.
But CEDETIM was never merely an external source of support. It shared in the responsibilities, the analyses, the doubts, and the hopes. It helped develop strategies for action, supported families facing administrative difficulties, and constantly reminded everyone that no democracy could accept the exclusion of those who contribute to its prosperity. This demanding vision of commitment left a deep impression on everyone who crossed its path.
Very early on, Tunisia became one of the main theaters of this commitment. Beginning with the crackdown that followed the general strike of January 26, 1978, CEDETIM was among the first organizations to denounce human rights violations and to support the international campaign for the release of Habib Achour and the imprisoned trade unionists. This solidarity has never wavered. For decades, the organization has stood by Tunisian democrats, promoted their campaigns, welcomed exiles, and helped raise awareness of their struggles among the French public and international solidarity movements.
Beyond denouncing human rights violations, CEDETIM has worked to bring together the various components of Tunisia’s democratic forces. In this effort, Khémaïs Chammari played a key role through his ability to engage in dialogue with people of diverse perspectives and to foster an atmosphere of trust. The debate held on March 10, 1994, regarding the Tunisian presidential elections symbolizes this constant commitment to making dialogue a tool for democratic development.
This momentum naturally led, on June 21, 1996, to the creation of the Committee for the Respect of Freedoms and Human Rights in Tunisia (CRLDHT). It did not emerge out of nowhere: it was the culmination of nearly twenty years of cooperation, trust, and joint activism. CEDETIM, CICP, and numerous activists from the French League for Human Rights provided the CRLDHT with an exceptional environment for meetings, debates, and organizational work. Its creation reflected a deeply shared conviction: the defense of freedoms requires solidarity that is lasting, independent, and open to the world.
Over the years, CEDETIM has also played a decisive role in building Euro-Mediterranean solidarity networks. It has helped bring together labor unions, civil society organizations, and human rights groups from both sides of the Mediterranean, fostering the emergence of a shared culture based on dialogue, equality, and cooperation among peoples. This ability to build bridges between actors of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives is undoubtedly one of its most enduring contributions.
This shared history did not end there. It continued through the anti-globalization movements, the World Social Forums, campaigns against war and racism, for climate justice, for migrants’ rights, and through constant support for the Palestinian people. CEDETIM has always sought to link social, democratic, environmental, and anti-colonial struggles, refusing to view them as separate battles.
This story is also that of the women and men who embodied this militant solidarity: Manuel Bridier (first president of the CRLDHT), Bernard Dreano, Gustave Massiah, François Della Sudda, Driss El Yazami, Élisabeth Alès, Saïd Bouziri, Khémaïs Chammari, Tarek Ben Hiba, as well as many other figures who dedicated their lives to the struggles for emancipation, justice, and international solidarity. More than just an organization, they turned CEDETIM into a true community of values based on listening, trust, mutual respect, and fidelity to principles.
Sixty years after its founding, the world has changed profoundly. Forms of domination have evolved, authoritarianism is experiencing a disturbing resurgence, inequalities are widening, wars are on the rise, and human rights are being challenged in many regions of the world. Yet the principles that have guided CEDETIM remain remarkably relevant today: connecting struggles, defending the universality of human rights, building solidarity among peoples, and fostering an internationalism grounded in equality, justice, freedom, and peace.
The greatest tribute we can pay to CEDETIM today is therefore not merely to celebrate its history. It is to pass on its legacy to new generations, to preserve this culture of dialogue, commitment, and solidarity, and to continue the struggles it helped bring about. At a time when nationalist, xenophobic, and authoritarian tendencies are gaining ground, CEDETIM’s experience reminds us that no people can achieve lasting freedom in isolation. For sixty years, CEDETIM has demonstrated that international solidarity is not a matter of generosity, but a political, ethical, and profoundly human imperative.
