As spelled out in the Declaration of November 7th,
1987, the philosophy of the change is based upon the principles of the rule of law, the strengthening of democracy
and the reinforcement of human rights.
"We consider that there can be no viable democratic society unless the citizen’s opinion, civil rights and
dignity are accorded their rightful importance, and we have therefore striven to keep human rights and fundamental
freedoms consistently in the forefront of our concerns." (1)
Here, President Ben Ali set in motion a comprehensive conception of human rights that combines economic, social
and cultural with political and civil rights. He stresses with deep conviction : "We believe that there must
not be the slightest distinction between the different human rights; none should be favored above any others. Our
efforts go to ensure the right to food, employment, health, education, housing, the protection of children and
the family, and support of the disabled and of destitute population categories, as much as to guarantee freedom
of speech, opinion and information, equality among individuals, non-discrimination, and the right to organize in
associations and political bodies." (2)
(1) Speech by President Ben Ali, June 5,
1991.
(2) Speech by President Ben Ali, May 12, 1992.
