Tunisia: Impunity in the context of political transition

Tunisia: Impunity in the context of political transition - Media

A man reads a newspaper in the early morning in Sidi Bouzid, the hometown of Mohamed Bouazizi. On 17 December 2010 he self-immolated in a protest against the authorities who had confiscated his street trader's equipment and continually harassed him. These events led to huge protests, the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and are considered the catalyst for the 'Arab Spring'.

On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, ARTICLE 19 joins with other civil society organisations to discuss the challenges for the safety of journalists in the context of political transition in Tunisia.

Tunisian journalists, lawyers and judges, human rights activists and press freedom civil society organisations will gather to debate on the national legal framework to protect journalists, and how the State can end the cycle of impunity for crimes committed against those who exercise their right to freedom of expression.

In December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 2nd as International Day of ending impunity for crimes against journalists, in order to raise public awareness of the challenge of impunity, and to mobilize resources to fight against it.

ARTICLE 19 is hosting this event with the National Union of Tunisian Journalists, Civil Coalition for the Defense of Freedom of Expression, the Tunis Centre for Freedom of the Press, the Tunisian League of Human Rights in Partnership, and Reporters Without Borders, with the support of the UNESCO High Commissioner for Human Rights.

For more information, see the Context and Programme.