Prime Minister says black people suffer in Tunisia

Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed has said that black people are still suffering in his country. He made his comments during an event to mark the National Day against Racial Discrimination organised by the ministry of relations along with constitutional bodies, civil society and human rights groups, including the High Commission for Human Rights in Tunis.

“Tunisia was among the first countries to abolish slavery and sign the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,” explained Chahed, “but unfortunately it is still among those countries where black-skinned people suffer.” He insisted that this will not stop the government from developing political, cultural, societal and legal strategies to combat racism. “This is a priority of our government,” he added.

On Sunday, dozens of African students protested in Tunis to demand the criminalisation of racism. They called on the authorities to ensure their safety and security after two Congolese girls were attacked on Saturday. According to eyewitnesses, a Tunisian young man attacked the girls, inflicting serious injuries.

Chahed called on Tunisia’s parliament to “ratify the draft law criminalising racial discrimination as a matter of urgency.”

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