Considering that the Republic of Tunisia is a party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;

Considering the relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, in particular articles 9(2), 10(1), 12(1) and 12(2);

Considering the provisions of other international and regional human rights instruments on freedom of conscience, freedom of movement, and right to association;

Considering the Declaration of 9th December 1998 of the United Nations General Assembly on the “rights and responsibilities of individuals, groups and organs of society to promote and protect universally recognised human rights and basic freedoms” and in particular Article 1 which states that “every individual has the right, individually, or in association with others, to promote the protection and the implementation of human rights and basic freedoms”;

Concerned by the decision dated on 27th November 2000 suspending the activities of the Ligue Tunisienne de Défense des Droits de l’Homme (LTDH), one of the oldest human rights NGOs in Africa;

Welcoming with satisfaction the recent initiatives by Tunisian authorities to address the situation.

1. Invites the Chairman of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to write to the President of the Republic of Tunisia to express its concerns about the situation of human rights defenders in Tunisia;

2. Offers to send a mission of good offices, if necessary, led by the Chairman of the Commission, in view of addressing the problem of the suspension of the Ligue Tunisienne de Défense des Droits de l’Homme.

Done in Tripoli, 7th May 2001