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\n Credit: Ben Ibrahim\/NurPhoto via AP Photo\n <\/p>\n
Tunisia\u2019s once-vibrant civil society is now facing an unprecedented crackdown, with authorities systematically dismantling the rule of law and shrinking civic space. The government\u2019s actions have targeted NGOs, human rights defenders, and legal professionals, leading to arbitrary arrests, judicial harassment, and the suspension of vital organizations.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt is deeply alarming to witness the steady erosion of Tunisia\u2019s once-vibrant civil society, one of the most significant achievements of the 2011 revolution,\u201d<\/p>\n
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said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International. The repression is part of a broader trend of authoritarian practices, undermining fundamental human rights and freedoms.\u200b<\/p>\n
Crackdown on NGOs and Human Rights Defenders<\/strong><\/p>\n
The Tunisian authorities have launched a multi-pronged campaign against civil society organizations, opening investigations into their finances and activities. Between July and November 2025, at least 14 organizations, including ATFD, Aswat Nissa, and FTDES, faced 30-day suspension orders, effectively silencing their operations. Security forces have arrested members of organizations providing aid to asylum seekers and refugees, fueling a dire humanitarian crisis. Arbitrary detentions, interrogations, and smear campaigns have become<\/a> common, with authorities accusing NGOs of being \u201ctraitors\u201d and \u201cforeign agents\u201d for their legitimate work.\u200b<\/p>\n
Impact on Policy and Civic Space<\/strong><\/p>\n
The government\u2019s policy of restricting civic space has severely hampered the ability of civil society to operate freely. Authorities have abused legal and administrative procedures to hinder NGO operations, including suspending their activities, restricting access to foreign funding, and freezing bank accounts. These actions violate Tunisia\u2019s obligations under the Tunisian Constitution and international human rights law, which guarantee freedom of association and expression. The result is a climate of fear, where independent voices are suppressed, and public participation is reduced.\u200b<\/p>\n