United Nations Special Rapporteur Pablo de Greiff has been visiting Tunisia from 10 to 16 November to assess the measures adopted by the Government in relation to past abuses and promote transitional justice. This is the first country mission by the independent expert charged by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and advise on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence. 

“Tunisia has been one of the first countries of the ‘Arab Spring’ to design measures to address past abuses, including violations committed during the peaceful protests leading to the fall of the previous regime, and to provide a legitimate and trustworthy ground for the society to move ahead,” he said. In April this year, the country embarked on a National Dialogue which is meant to cul

The four components of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate – truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence – aim to redress the legacies of massive human rights abuses, and to assist in providing recognition to victims, foster trust and reconciliation, and strengthen the rule of law. 

“With my mission, I intend objectively and impartially to assess the work undertaken thus far in the area of transitional justice, and offer my assistance to the Government and the entire Tunisian society to find sustainable ways to move forward without ignoring the past,” he stressed. Mr. de Greiff, who is visiting the country at the invitation of the Tunisian authorities, has met Government officials, representatives of the legislative and judicial branches, law enforcement officials, a broad range of civil society actors, the UN and diplomatic delegations. During his seven-day visit, he’s been visiting Tunis, Sidi Bouzid and the region of Gafsa. 

The Special Rapporteur will hold a press conference to present his preliminary findings and recommendations in Tunis at the Hotel Golden Tulip Mechtel at the end of the visit on 16 November at 11:00.  Mr. de Greiff will present his report on the visit to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2013.

For further information and media enquiries, please contact: 
In Tunis (during the visit): Kora Andrieu (+216 25 65 19 22 / kandrieu@ohchr.org).