Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are concerned by the deteriorating situation in Tunisia. In recent months, there has been a worrying increase in reports of repression against protestors, opposition leaders and civil society groups by the Tunisian authorities. I am aware of the arrest of the Tunisian opposition leader and of other prominent members of Tunisian civil society. Freedoms of expression and association are fundamental human rights guaranteed to all and are an essential foundation of an open, democratic and inclusive society. I call on the Tunisian Government to uphold these rights.

The situation in Tunisia has been discussed several times at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in recent months. In March, Ireland raised the issue of restrictions on freedom of expression and association in Tunisia, with particular reference to the then-recent expulsion of Esther Lynch, the general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, ETUC. I made a public statement on this matter and voiced Ireland’s condemnation of this act. I underlined our support for the rights of trade unions to conduct their work free from harassment, intimidation and fear. I welcome the recent visit of EU Commission President von der Leyen, along with the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands and Italy, to Tunis for talks with President Saied. The EU-Tunisia relationship will continue to focus on people-to-people contacts, economic co-operation and political dialogue, including ensuring respect for human rights.

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