Tunis, 28 January 2014
The World Organisation Against Torture congratulates all stakeholders who, by their contributions and concessions, brought about the adoption of the new constitution on 26th January 2014. Thereby, Tunisia marked an historic moment and an important milestone in her democratic transition.
"This achievement that all generations and all tendencies of society have contributed to, is the warranty for Tunisia’s promising future for forging a path towards a participatory democracy. The text of the constitution reflects the broad consensus within society that no circumstances can ever justify torture," said Gabriele Reiter, Director of the OMCT Office in Tunis.
This supreme text, that includes the protection of rights, freedoms and universal principles of human rights, including the absolute prohibition of torture, was passed by a large consensus after lengthy discussions. In particular OMCT welcomes the fact that crimes of torture are not subject to any statute of limitation as an important element in the fight against impunity.
Despite the provisions of Article 22 of the Constitution authorising legal exceptions to the sacred right to life, OMCT encourages the Tunisian authorities to continue their moratorium on the application of the death penalty with a view to its abolition.
“A constitution is a living instrument. It will be judged by its implementation," added Gabriele Reiter. OMCT is committed to supporting Tunisia's efforts to put in place instruments to reverse past injustice, to address current shortcomings, especially in the treatment of cases of torture victims, and to strengthen rule of law that respects human dignity and reinforces confidence in public institutions.
Press Contact: Halim Meddeb, hm@omct.org, +216 23 660 689