Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 41st Session

Universal Periodic Review of Tunisia

Statement by Australia

8 November 2022

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia welcomes Tunisia’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process, and notes Tunisia’s acceptance of most recommendations brought forward during the third round in 2017.

We recognise the inclusion of a chapter on rights and freedoms in the Tunisian Constitution which was adopted in July 2022.

However, Australia is concerned by the deterioration in the human rights situation in Tunisia since the suspension of Parliament in July 2021. We encourage Tunisia to uphold parliamentary democracy and inclusive government.

Australia recommends that Tunisia:

1. Formally abolish the death penalty, with a view to ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
2. Take steps towards fully implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, including through reforming discriminatory provisions of the Personal Status Code governing inheritance, parental authority and dowry payment
3. Repeal Article 230 of the Penal Code criminalising consensual same-sex relations, and introduce legislation to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status.

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