Tunisia to extend Truth and Dignity Commission’s mandate until end of 2018

Tunisia’s Ministry of Relations with Constitutional Bodies, Civil Society and Human Rights yesterday signed an agreement with the country’s Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD) to continue its mission until the end of December 2018.

The ministry’s decision came despite the parliament’s vote on 26 March to disband the commission by the end of May and to reject its request for extension supported by Transitional Justice law.

“The remaining work for the commission will be completed within six months, so it will continue its efforts until December according to the agreement with the Tunisian government,” the commission’s member, Khalid Al-Krishi, told Mosaïque FM.

According to the agreement, which was signed between the Tunisian Minister of Human Rights, Mehdi Ben Gharbia, and the IVD’s President, Sihem Bensedrine, “the Truth and Dignity Commission was called upon to fulfil its remaining legal obligations.”

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The obligations had been defined to include “the referral of human rights violations’ files to the specialised jurisdictions and the determination of the necessary compensations for the victims.”

IVD was also asked to “disclose the comprehensive reports on the Tunisian President, Beji Caid Essebsi, the parliament speaker, Mohamed Ennaceur, and the Prime Minister, Youssed Chahed.”

According to Article 18 of the Tunisian Transitional Justice Law, the IVD is set to operate for four years from the date of the appointment of the commission members in May 2014. The commission’s mandate can be extended once for one year through a “justified decision from the Commission to be submitted to the parliament”.