Tunisia assembly approves creation of rights commission

By Adil Essabiti

TUNIS (AA) - The Tunisian parliament on Tuesday approved a “Basic Law” establishing an official human rights authority.

The bill was approved unanimously with all 144 lawmakers voting in favor.

The rights authority is one of five independent bodies called for by Tunisia’s 2014 constitution.

Along with the rights authority, these bodies include an official electoral commission; an anti-corruption commission; a sustainable development commission; and a communications authority.

Under the Basic Law approved on Tuesday, the rights commission will have a nine-member board, members of which are to be chosen by parliament.

Commission members must include two judges, a lawyer, a doctor, three psychologists, along with two members nominated by civil society organizations devoted to human rights advocacy.

The new body is meant to replace the Supreme Commission for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms established by former Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali (who was forced to step down during Tunisia’s 2011 popular uprising).