The role of civil society in transitional justice in Tunisia after the adoption of transitional justice law

Abstract

Shortly after the revolution, Tunisia took basic steps towards the attempts of proceeding with democratic transition. One of the most transition issues it commenced tackling was Transitional Justice. It was raised and promoted by the civil society. The civil society tremendously contributed to the establishment of transitional justice. This thesis explores the effective and ineffective role of the civil society actors in all stages of transitional justice process after the adoption of the TJ law. It concentrates particularly on the period after the adoption of the law as the so far researches focus on the role of the civil society before the adoption of the law. This field study was conducted in Tunisia and absorbed comprehensive data and wide insight into transitional justice process through meeting local and international organizations, the Truth and Dignity Commission, and victims and also observing events of transitional justice such as attending live broadcast of public hearings, national consultation on reparation program, protests and other events. It analyzes the effective presence of the civil society through pressuring before the National Constituent Assembly, the TDC, and the Assembly of People’s Representatives on issues concerning transitional justice. Also, how positively it contributed to the sensitization and victims’ files collection across the country, documenting the process through publishing studies, etc. On the other hand, it gives an insight into the insignificant role of civil society on issues of transitional justice such as observing the process and the non-effective results of their efforts like filing appeals, pressuring before governmental bodies for certain issues, etc.