Tunisia: ITUC welcomes new constitution

ITUC OnLine
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Tunisia: ITUC welcomes new constitution, a “crucial milestone” on the road to democracy

Brussels, 28 January 2014 (ITUC OnLine): The adoption of a new constitution in Tunisia is a “historic moment for the country and the region as a whole, and I would like to congratulate the UGTT for the key role it has played in reaching this crucial milestone on the road to democracy and respect for fundamental rights”, said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

The ITUC joined with the people of Tunisia in applauding this achievement, which guarantees fundamental principles such as the separation of powers, an independent judiciary, freedom of association, the right to organise and the right to strike. The ITUC also welcomed the equally historic decision to introduce the principle of gender parity in elected bodies.

Working alongside civil society and other democratic forces, the UGTT has been untiring in its efforts to break the deadlock and ensure the success of the constitutional process. After becoming the cradle of the Arab Revolutions by turning the page on half a century of dictatorship, Tunisia has become a role model once again, by taking a decisive step forward on the road to democracy.

With the announcement of the composition of a caretaker government of independent figures, the way is now clear for legislative and presidential elections in 2014. In light of the extremely difficult socio-economic situation in Tunisia, the ITUC will continue to urge international institutions and foreign investors to support the country, to enable it to meet the social aspirations that drove the revolution and provide opportunities for its young people, the lifeblood of the new democratic Tunisia of tomorrow.

The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 161 countries and territories and has 325 national affiliates.

ENDS

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