Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tunisia: Human Rights

Tuesday 14 March 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Margaret Ferrier questioned the implications of the human rights situation in Tunisia for UK policies.
  • The UK expressed concern over recent wide-ranging arrests in Tunisia, emphasizing due legal process and human rights.
  • Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon raised the issue with the Tunisian charg d'affaires and G7 ambassadors in Tunisia.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

Tunisia has experienced a series of wide-ranging arrests, including political figures and media representatives. The country is facing issues with human rights.

Question

What recent assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the human rights situation in Tunisia?

Answer from David Rutley

We are concerned by the recent wide-ranging arrests in Tunisia, including those of politicians, former civil servants, businesspeople and media representatives. The UK underlines the importance of due legal process and respect for human rights, especially freedoms of expression and association. Tunisians should have the space for legitimate political opposition, civil society and independent media activity.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific condemnation of recent actions or support for democratic governance was not explicitly stated.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

President Kais is imposing one-man rule in Tunisia with arrests of critics and racial discrimination against sub-Saharan African migrants.

Question

I thank the Minister for that answer, but President Kais is seeking to impose one-man rule in Tunisia, including with a sham Parliament and the arrest of critics. He now appears to be looking for scapegoats, such as black Africans, to distract attention from the dire economic and social situation. Will the Minister condemn what is happening now in Tunisia and support those working for democratic and tolerant governance in the country?

Answer from David Rutley

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Minister for north Africa, publicly commented on this matter on 16 February. He has also raised the issue with the Tunisian chargé d'affaires, and G7 ambassadors in Tunisia have also made a number of joint statements since July 2021. We are also aware of reports of racially motivated discrimination and violence towards perceived sub-Saharan African migrants, and we encourage Tunisia to comply with the international convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Direct condemnation or support for specific democratic actions was not explicitly stated.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)