Human Rights in Tunisia: Options and Accomplishments

Chapter1
Human Rights in Tunisia: Options and Accomplishments

Table of Contents

Declaration of November 7th,1987

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Civil and Political Rights

6 - Respect of the Integrity of theIndividual and Protection of the Rights of Prisoners

The authorities (executive, legislative and judicial branches) consider respect of the integrity of the individual as a principle that cannot be limited in any way.

Publication of the regulation governing the organization of the prisons, in accordance with international standards guaranteeing humane treatment of prisoners (1988).

Visit made by President Ben Ali to the civil prison of Tunis on July 24, 1996, where he reviewed the conditions of incarceration of prison inmates and the training programs designed to facilite their reintegration into society.

He also empowered the Chairman of the Higher Committee of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms to make unannounced visits, without prior authorization, to prisons. Following every such visit, the Committee Chairman presents to the President a detailed report.

Creation of a school to train the staff of the prison services and rehabilitation centers (1996), an element in confirming the humanistic and civilizational orientations of the policy of the Change. In this connection, President Ben Ali underscored the need for continued promotion of the national plan for the protection and rehabilitation of delinquent children and for accomplishment of the various goals that have been assigned the program of prisoner training, to promote reintegration of ex-convicts into the economic and social fabric.

On November 7, 1996, President Ben Ali declared, in a speech before the nation, that because of respect for the inalienable right to life, he would continue, except in very rare circumstances, to enforce a policy of non-confirmation of death sentences.

In addition to the mechanisms provided for under Tunisian law, President Ben Ali has, whenever violations have been alleged, called for the appropriate inquiries and investigations, so as to re-establish respect of the law, where necessary.

In 1998, a Department for listening, prevention and treatment, called "L'Espoir," was created to help those sentenced to such offenses as drug abuse by giving them the necessary care and promoting their reintegration into society. This initiative is based on a humanistic approach intended to reconcile the safeguarding of public social order with the rights of the individual.

In his speech of March 20, 1999, on the occasion of Independence and Youth Days, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening legislation in the field of human rights, including the creation of the position of judge responsible for application of sentences.

Chapter1		Human Rights in Tunisia: Options and Accomplishments



	Table of Contents Declaration of November 7th,1987 Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter VI Chapter VII Chapter VIII Chapter IX Chapter X		Civil and Political Rights 6 - Respect of the Integrity of theIndividual and Protection of the Rights of Prisoners The authorities (executive, legislative and judicial branches) consider respect of the integrity of the individual as a principle that cannot be limited in any way. Publication of the regulation governing the organization of the prisons, in accordance with international standards guaranteeing humane treatment of prisoners (1988). Visit made by President Ben Ali to the civil prison of Tunis on July 24, 1996, where he reviewed the conditions of incarceration of prison inmates and the training programs designed to facilite their reintegration into society. He also empowered the Chairman of the Higher Committee of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms to make unannounced visits, without prior authorization, to prisons. Following every such visit, the Committee Chairman presents to the President a detailed report. Creation of a school to train the staff of the prison services and rehabilitation centers (1996), an element in confirming the humanistic and civilizational orientations of the policy of the Change. In this connection, President Ben Ali underscored the need for continued promotion of the national plan for the protection and rehabilitation of delinquent children and for accomplishment of the various goals that have been assigned the program of prisoner training, to promote reintegration of ex-convicts into the economic and social fabric. On November 7, 1996, President Ben Ali declared, in a speech before the nation, that because of respect for the inalienable right to life, he would continue, except in very rare circumstances, to enforce a policy of non-confirmation of death sentences. In addition to the mechanisms provided for under Tunisian law, President Ben Ali has, whenever violations have been alleged, called for the appropriate inquiries and investigations, so as to re-establish respect of the law, where necessary. In 1998, a Department for listening, prevention and treatment, called "L'Espoir," was created to help those sentenced to such offenses as drug abuse by giving them the necessary care and promoting their reintegration into society. This initiative is based on a humanistic approach intended to reconcile the safeguarding of public social order with the rights of the individual. In his speech of March 20, 1999, on the occasion of Independence and Youth Days, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening legislation in the field of human rights, including the creation of the position of judge responsible for application of sentences.