Tunisia’s Law against Racial Discrimination: The Mixed Results of a Pioneering Legislation

In 2018, Tunisia was the first country in the MENA region to enact a law that penalizes racial discrimination and allows victims of racism to seek redress for verbal abuse or physical acts of racism. This interview examines the main aspects of the anti-racism law, its impact two years following its adoption and the gaps that still need to be addressed, notably the absence of a national strategy.

"In terms of the wider Arab world, the racism certainly exists in other countries in the region and there are calls by several activists to take into consideration the rights of ethnic minorities who have been discriminated against or who are victims of racism. I am thinking especially of Lebanon, where the struggle against the kafala system is closely linked to the anti-racist struggle, and Morocco, where campaigns are being organized against the racism suffered by migrants from sub-Saharan countries.

Tunisia could share its experience with several other countries in the region. First of all in North Africa, where the contexts are similar, but also in other regions of the Arab world. I believe wholeheartedly in the success of one country in the Global South exchanging experiences with another..."

English | February 11, 2021

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