The suspension of the activities of Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) in Tunisia for 30 days constitutes an extremely worrying signal regarding the state of freedom of association and civic space in the country.
For more than 15 years, ASF has worked alongside Tunisian stakeholders to strengthen the rule of law, promote access to justice, and defend human rights. Through its work with public institutions, lawyers, and civil society, the organization has supported thousands of people in vulnerable situations and contributed to promoting the principles of fair trial and an independent judiciary.
This suspension decision, which ASF considers legally unfounded, comes within a broader context of restrictions targeting Tunisian civil society organizations. It follows several years marked by a gradual shrinking of civic space and increasing pressure on human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, and independent organizations.
Beyond its institutional impact, this suspension directly affects the teams working on the ground, local partners, and above all the hundreds of people for whom legal aid sometimes represents the last resort.
We sincerely thank our teams for their commitment, as well as the hundreds of public figures, associations, beneficiaries, and citizens who have expressed their solidarity and support. Your messages bring us strength and comfort during this period of doubt and uncertainty.
We also express our full solidarity with all organizations that have been targeted by the same restrictive measures.
In the face of this situation, solidarity is essential.
Supporting human rights organizations means defending the fundamental principles of justice, dignity, and freedom of association.
ASF has announced that it will pursue the necessary legal remedies to challenge this decision and continue its commitment to the rule of law in Tunisia.
