EU Lawmakers Demand Action on Rights Decline in Tunisia as Commission Remains Inactive

EU Lawmakers Call Out Commission Inaction on Rights Decline in Tunisia

Introduction

Today, European parliamentarians from across the political spectrum have condemned the European Union’s inaction and shortsighted approach to Tunisia‘s democratic backsliding and decline in human rights. Lawmakers have called for stronger action to be taken and for democracy and human rights to be placed back at the center of any agreement with Tunisia. The EU Commission and the Council have failed to show concern about the worsening situation in the country, instead focusing on obtaining cooperation on migration control. This approach is deeply problematic, as President Saied’s administration has been engaged in silencing citizens, undermining judicial independence, and concentrating power in his hands. It is essential for the EU to urgently change course and prioritize human rights in its relations with Tunisia to ensure the stability and trustworthiness of the partnership.

A Wave of Arrests and Decline in Rights

In March, a European Parliament resolution was prompted by a wave of arrests of critics in Tunisia. Most of the individuals were accused of “conspiracy against state security.” However, since the Parliament’s outcry, the situation has significantly worsened. In April and May, a new wave of arrests targeted leaders and supporters of the largest opposition party, Ennahda, including its President Rached Ghannouchi. Currently, more than 40 people are behind bars for their political activities, opinions, or statements. The arbitrary detention of critics is just one of the tools used by President Saied to suppress dissent.

In addition to imprisoning critics, President Saied has sacked judges arbitrarily, banned peaceful protests, and issued decree-laws that undermine judicial independence, threaten free speech, and facilitate surveillance of critics. These actions have led to a breakdown in the rule of law in Tunisia, which is detrimental not only to its citizens but also to the EU.

The EU’s Shortsighted Approach

While the European Parliament has taken a firm stance on the deteriorating situation in Tunisia, the EU Commission and the Council have failed to show sufficient concern. Instead, the EU seems obsessed with obtaining Tunisia‘s cooperation on migration control, disregarding President Saied’s hate speech and growing brutality against Black migrants and asylum seekers.

This shortsighted approach by the EU is deeply troubling. A government that silences its citizens, destroys checks-and-balances, and concentrates power in the hands of one individual cannot be a trusted and reliable partner. The EU should take into account the evidence of collective expulsions and violations during interceptions at sea and reconsider its migration-related funding to avoid complicity in such abuses.

Philosophical Discussion

The situation in Tunisia raises important philosophical questions about the responsibility of international bodies like the EU to uphold and protect human rights. The EU has long prided itself on its commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. However, its failure to address the decline in rights in Tunisia and prioritize the release of jailed critics undermines these principles.

This raises questions about the nature of international cooperation and the balance of power in such relationships. When engaging with countries like Tunisia, which are experiencing democratic backsliding, how should international bodies navigate the tension between cooperation on issues like migration control and the imperative to uphold human rights? Is it possible to separate these issues, or are they inherently intertwined?

Moreover, the situation in Tunisia highlights the challenge of promoting democratic values and human rights in countries undergoing political transitions. How can international bodies support the establishment of democratic institutions and the protection of human rights without overstepping boundaries or being perceived as interference? Is there a middle ground between intervention and turning a blind eye?

Editorial

The EU’s inaction on the decline in human rights in Tunisia is deeply concerning. By prioritizing cooperation on migration control over the protection of human rights, the EU sends a dangerous message that human rights are negotiable and can be sacrificed for political expediency. This approach undermines the credibility and trustworthiness of the EU as a global advocate for democracy and human rights.

The EU must urgently change course and prioritize human rights in its relations with Tunisia. This means calling for the release of jailed critics and making it clear that human rights are core to its engagement with President Saied’s administration. The EU should also reconsider its migration-related funding, suspending any support that may contribute to human rights abuses.

Additionally, the EU should work closely with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and democratic reformers in Tunisia to support their efforts and ensure that their voices are heard. It is only through robust engagement and active support of those fighting for democracy and human rights that the EU can make a meaningful impact in Tunisia.

Advice

For the European Parliament, it is crucial to maintain pressure on the EU Commission and the Council to address the human rights situation in Tunisia. Lawmakers should continue speaking out against the EU’s shortsighted approach and advocate for a stronger commitment to democracy and human rights in its relations with Tunisia. Parliamentary resolutions, public statements, and engagement with civil society can all be effective tools in pushing for change.

Citizens and civil society organizations in EU member states should also actively raise awareness about the human rights situation in Tunisia and put pressure on their governments to take a stronger stance. This can be done through grassroots campaigns, public demonstrations, and engagement with elected representatives.

Furthermore, individuals and organizations in the EU should support and collaborate with Tunisian civil society organizations and human rights defenders. This support can come in the form of funding, capacity-building initiatives, and advocacy efforts.

Ultimately, it is essential for all actors involved to continue prioritizing human rights and democratic values in their engagement with Tunisia. By doing so, there is hope for positive change and the restoration of democratic norms and respect for human rights in the country.

Tunisia–EULawmakers,RightsDecline,Tunisia,CommissionInactive