Tunisia Withdraws from African Union Human Rights Court

Tunisia has announced its withdrawal from the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, a decision criticized by rights groups as a setback for freedoms in the increasingly authoritarian country, Arab News reported. The declaration, which did not specify a reason for the withdrawal, stated that Tunisia is retracting its recognition of the court’s ability to accept cases from individuals and NGOs.

This move follows President Kais Saied’s consolidation of power since 2021, raising concerns over human rights violations. Critics of the government, including several opposition leaders, are currently imprisoned, and ongoing mass trials have been labeled politically motivated.

The Tunisian League for Human Rights (LTDH) condemned the decision as secretive and a retreat from judicial accountability, while the CRLDHT described it as a “shameful renunciation” of Tunisia’s commitment to human rights. The withdrawal limits citizens’ and organizations’ ability to challenge state violations before the court.