Parliament votes to disband Tunisia's truth commission
The Tunisian Truth and Dignity Commission vows to continue its efforts to help victims of human rights violations, despite parliament's efforts to dissolve the group.
After the Tunisian parliament voted not to extend the mission of a human rights commission for another year, victims' advocates labeled the vote invalid and warned politicians April 5 to expect repercussions, as commission members pledged to carry on with their work.
The Truth and Dignity Commission is an independent, constitutionally backed body tasked with implementing the transitional justice law by investigating gross human rights violations committed by the government since 1955, largely under the rule of former Presidents Habib Ben Ali Bourguiba and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The commission, which began its work in 2014 after the 2011 Tunisian revolution that launched the Arab Spring in the Middle East and Africa, has received tens of thousands of cases and is also responsible for helping victims recover and receive compensation.
During a tense session March 26, parliament voted against extending the Truth and Dignity Commission's mandate for another year. Some political parties accused Speaker Mohamed Ennaceur of violating parliament bylaws, as he insisted on holding a session without a quorum of one-third. Only 70 out of 217 members were present, while 73 were needed.
The Tunisian Victims' Coalition for Dignity and Rehabilitation — which comprises more than 50 human rights organizations monitoring the transitional justice process — is following the situation.
