Tunisia's parliament, or مجلس نواب الشعب, recently sent a delegation to participate in the Global Human Rights Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference, organized by the International Parliamentary Union, took place on November 12-13, 2026. The Tunisian delegation consisted of representatives حسام محجوب, ظافر الصغيري, and فاطمة المسدي. They presented the country's legislative experience and positions on various human rights issues.
The conference, themed "Parliaments' Responsibility in Protecting Human Rights in Times of Turmoil," brought together parliamentarians, UN representatives, and civil society members. The Tunisian delegation showcased the country's laws and regulations regarding freedoms, migration, and artificial intelligence. They also highlighted Tunisia's commitment to protecting children's rights, citing the 2024 law on maternity and paternity leave in the public sector.
During the conference, حسام محجوب discussed freedom of expression and the revision of decree 54, which deals with crimes related to information and communication systems. He mentioned plans to replace prison sentences with fines. فاطمة المسدي emphasized that Tunisia provides basic needs for African migrants, citing the country's anti-discrimination laws. However, she stressed that this does not imply that Tunisia should become a permanent settlement or relocation country.
The Tunisian delegation also addressed the issue of violence against parliamentarians in the digital space. ظافر الصغيري proposed enhancing digital protection and creating a confidential mechanism for female parliamentarians to report gender-based violence. He also called for a parliamentary initiative to monitor disabilities caused by wars and establish an international fund to support people with disabilities in Gaza.
The conference provided a platform for parliamentarians to discuss various human rights issues, including the impact of artificial intelligence on society. The Tunisian delegation emphasized the need to strengthen the legal framework to address the challenges posed by AI. They also highlighted the importance of protecting human rights in the face of emerging challenges.
The participation of the Tunisian delegation in the Global Human Rights Conference demonstrates the country's commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. The conference provided an opportunity for Tunisia to share its experiences and learn from other countries. The delegation's presentations and discussions focused on the importance of parliamentary responsibility in protecting human rights.
The Global Human Rights Conference concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. The Tunisian delegation's participation and contributions to the conference reflected the country's dedication to upholding human rights principles. The conference outcomes will likely inform future parliamentary actions and decisions on human rights issues.
Key points
- Tunisia's parliament participates in Global Human Rights Conference in Geneva
- Delegation showcases country's legislative experience and positions on human rights issues
- Conference emphasizes parliamentary responsibility in protecting human rights
