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About CRLDHT

Created in 1996 by activists from different backgrounds and nationalities, the Comité pour le Respect des Libertés et des Droits de l'Homme en Tunisie -CRLDHT (The Committee) is dedicated to meeting the imperative need for respect for human rights and freedoms as an absolute priority in addressing other political, economic, social, cultural and environmental issues. In addition to the articles of association, each member is asked to explicitly subscribe to this charter, bearing in mind that all membership applications must be sponsored by a founding member and a member.

The Committee has been active since its creation in 1996, initiating actions of solidarity and support for victims of repression of all persuasions and backgrounds: human rights defenders, feminists, trade unionists, citizens, journalists, lawyers, artists, writers and political opponents. It has contributed to the strengthening of Tunisian civil society through a real deepening of democratic debate within it. It has acquired the ability to federate the various sectors of the democratic movement around an unconditional defense of people threatened because of their political opinions or conscience, particularly during the darkest period of Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali's dictatorship.

The Committee has built up a wealth of experience and carried out extensive documentation work on violations and advocacy. In Tunisia, it maintains partnership links with all Tunisian associations. It has also developed relations with French, Arab and international organizations working in the field of human rights.

Since Kaïes Saïed's constitutional coup on July 25, 2021, the Committee has decided to redeploy its dynamics and strategy with the aim of relaying and supporting civil society players in Tunisia to re-establish the rule of law and democracy while respecting human rights. Indeed, the situation is marked by the breakdown of the democratic transition process begun in 2011, and by a regime of exception that concentrates powers in the hands of the Head of State, meaning the dismantling of everything the country has laboriously built up since 2011 (democratically elected parliament, Higher Council of the Judiciary, Independent Electoral Body, Anti-Corruption Body, etc.). The government's aim is to establish an autocratic regime based on a constitution drafted by the head of state alone, which means bringing magistrates and the judiciary to heel, and narrowing the scope of freedom of expression and information (Decree 54) in a climate of police repression. A perverted electoral process (a non-independent electoral body and an electoral law at the service of its designer) is designed to give legitimacy to this restoration process, which attacks freedoms and human rights.

Key dates in the history of the Tunisian left :

Independence of Tunisia:

Although the moment was mainly a nationalist victory, the foundations of left-wing militancy were laid in anti-colonial struggles.

Dissolution of the Tunisian Communist Party (PCT):

Bourguiba's government bans the PCT, marking the start of a long period of repression for the Tunisian left.

Student uprising:

A series of student demonstrations breaks out, mainly in Tunis, in reaction to government policies and social and educational conditions. The protests were marked by strong left-wing participation and severe repression.

General strike and insurrection of January 26:

Organized by the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), this massive strike against Bourguiba's economic policies saw significant participation from left-wing activists. The repression that followed was brutal.

Legalization of political parties and creation of the Mouvement des Démocrates Socialistes (MDS):

In a context of slight political overtures, left-wing parties obtained official legalization, marking an evolution in militant tactics.

Bread revolt:

In January, riots broke out in response to the sudden increase in the price of bread and basic goods, following austerity measures imposed by the IMF. Government repression left dozens dead. The left-wing took an active part in the protests, which expressed deep social discontent.

Power shift:

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali replaces Habib Bourguiba. This change at the top of the Tunisian state initially brought hope of political reform, including for the left.

First elections in which opposition parties are allowed to participate:

Although largely controlled and manipulated, these elections marked a moment when the left attempted to engage in the formal political process.

Crackdown on Islamists and the impact on the left:

Ben Ali's regime launched a wave of severe repression against the Islamist movement Ennahda, also affecting other forms of opposition, including the left.

Civil society movements and social forums:

The Tunisian left, along with other opposition groups, uses the spaces of civil society and global social forums to criticize the regime and promote human rights.

Uprising in the Gafsa mining region:

This social and economic protest movement, although not exclusively left-wing, saw significant participation by left-wing activists and marked a precursor to revolution.

The Tunisian revolution begins:

Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation sparked protests across the country, leading to the 2011 revolution. The Tunisian left was actively involved in these movements, which eventually led to the fall of Ben Ali in January 2011.

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+33 6 11 22 33 44​
21ter rue Voltaire -
FR-75011 PARIS
crldht@proton.me

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