On August 12 of each year, the world celebrates International Youth Day, an occasion that highlights the significant role of young people in political decision-making and their crucial contribution to societal development.
The Tunisian constitution of 2022 in its article 13, declares that “the state shall be responsible in creating adequate conditions to develop the abilities of young people, providing them with resources required to actively contribute to the nation’s growth.
Despite the notable achievements generated by young people during the 2011 Tunisian Revolution, including the most significant one: gaining freedom of speech, and developing new artistic forms to express and defend their causes, marking a shift away from previous policies of censorship and suppression, the current political landscape in Tunisia has repositioned, with the regime’s introduction of the decree 54 Intended to address criminal activities linked to information and communication networks, that has been used as tool to suppress and target dissenting opinions. This has resulted in the substantial prosecution of young people who are currently being targeted for their artistic activities, such as rap music, graffiti, and social media content.
Instead of focusing on empowering young people and addressing their issues related to poverty and unemployment, the current Tunisian authorities have chosen to target them, put them behind bars, and silence them.
On this occasion, Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms wishes to show its wholehearted support to the young people who remain devoted to the gains of the 2011 revolution and to assist them in securing their full rights.
Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms also seeks to denounce the rising violations against young people and the daily trials targeting anyone who expresses an opinion or criticizes the country’s current state. The Association stands in full solidarity with all young people who have been imprisoned in Tunisia for expressing their thoughts and demands the dismissal of all charges against them and their immediate release.”
Lastly, Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms highlights that young people play a crucial role in the country’s advancement, stressing that a democratic state cannot truly exist if it represses the voice of its young people.