Tunisia: UN rights expert launches mission to assess the independence of the justice system

By United Nations - Office of the UN High Commissione

GENEVA, Switzerland, November 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- United Nations expert on the independence of the judiciary Gabriela Knaul will undertake an official visit to Tunisia from 27 November to 5 December 2014 to assess the independence of judges, lawyers, and prosecutors, as well as the working of the justice system.

“The purpose of this visit is to assess both the achievements and challenges faced by the country in ensuring the independence of the judiciary and the free exercise of the legal profession during this key transitional period,” the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers said.

“I also wish to identify areas where progress is lacking and action is needed to strengthen Tunisia's democratic institutions and its institutional and legislative framework relevant to the justice sector, in order to reinforce the rule of law and the protection of human rights in the country,” Ms. Knaul explained.

The UN independent expert, who visits the country at the invitation of the Government, will meet with representatives from the executive and legislative branches of power, as well as with judges, prosecutors and lawyers in Tunis and Nabeul. She will also meet with representatives from civil society, academia, UN agencies and the diplomatic community.

At the end of the visit on Friday 5 December, Ms. Knaul will hold a press conference to present her preliminary findings and observations at 11:00 a.m. at the Novotel (tbc), in Tunis.

A report containing the final findings and conclusions of the Special Rapporteur will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2015.