Racism is a crime. Rape is a crime. Impunity normalizes these crimes.
In a recurring episode of national shame, the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights was once again outraged by racist statements made in February 2023 by a member of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People. These remarks constitute a blatant assault on human dignity and a dangerous justification of sexual violence and rape against women. This is not the first time this parliamentarian has engaged in rhetoric that incites hatred and racism while violating the fundamental values of equality and respect.
He has previously led campaigns aimed at spreading fear of migrants and has promoted false narratives about “demographic change.” Through various media platforms, he has also contributed to the dissemination of inflammatory and discriminatory discourse, fueling fear, division, and hostility within society.
The continued policy of impunity toward figures who promote racism and hate speech in Tunisia—from advocates of the so-called “demographic threat” to those advancing degrading and inhumane ideas, such as calls to sterilize migrant women and control their reproductive rights—has encouraged further attacks on human dignity, damaged Tunisia’s image and its long history of solidarity, and reinforced systems of exclusion, domination, and racial stereotyping.
The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights:
Calls for the immediate enforcement of criminal accountability mechanisms in accordance with Law No. 58 on the elimination of violence against women and Law No. 50 on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.
Holds the state fully responsible for perpetuating impunity in crimes of racism and discrimination, and considers official silence regarding these violations to be an implicit policy of legitimizing them.
Affirms its absolute rejection, under any pretext, of all forms of justification for racism, rape, or the normalization of such acts.
The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights
President Abdelrahman Hedhili
