U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Tunisia
41st Session, November 8, 2022
As delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
The United States welcomes the distinguished Tunisian delegation, and we welcome the opportunity to serve on the troika to prepare Tunisia’s report.
The United States stands with the Tunisian people as they work to preserve democracy, protect human rights, support rule of law, and build a prosperous future.
We recommend that Tunisia:
- Promote separation of powers and judicial independence, including through prompt establishment of a Constitutional Court.
- Ensure fair trials for all Tunisians, including ending prosecution of civilians in military courts.
- Protect freedom of expression, freedom of association, and press freedom by repealing Decree Law 54 and refraining from using existing laws to prosecute people for political speech.
We call on the government to hold free, fair, and inclusive parliamentary elections this December, protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and bring dissenting voices back into reform processes, and we look forward to supporting these efforts.
I thank you.
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