PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 Tunisia UPR Outcome Adoptions [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 May 2023.

UK statement about Tunisia’s Universal Periodic Review Outcome Adoptions in March 2023. Due to time constraints, this was not delivered in the Council.

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom welcomes Tunisia’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review, and its support for recommendations made on amending the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code in line with international standards, and establishing an independent national human rights institution, in line with the Paris Principles, and hope these steps will be taken promptly.

We reiterate our strong recommendation for Tunisia to end the trial of civilians in military courts, now more than ever. We note with concern the large numbers of arrests that have taken place since 11 February, the scope and breadth of which – many under wide-ranging anti-terrorism laws – raise concerns that the primary purpose of the arrests is to remove, or deter, political opposition.

The UK underlines the importance of a transparent, independent and efficient judiciary. We are concerned by recent comments by public figures that presume the guilt of people currently facing charges, and which speculate that judges who acquit suspects would themselves be guilty of a crime. The separation of powers is an essential pillar of a functioning democracy that serves its people.

We reiterate our commitment to work constructively with Tunisia in a partnership based on shared values, foremost among which is the protection of human rights.