UN Human Rights Chief makes working visit to Tunsia

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Navanethem Pillay arrives Wednesday for a two-day working visit to Tunisia at the invitation of Interim Foreign Minister Mohamed Mouldi Kefi. According to a statement issued here Tuesday by the Foreign Ministry, the visit is part of the "new Tunisia's commitment to lay down the foundation of solid democracy and open up to the different UN mechanisms that promote human rights, in accordance with the noble objectives that triggered the January 14 Revolution and break off once and for all with the former regime's actions". The statement added that the visit would realise the determination of the active organizations in the human rights field to help Tunisia achieve a real democratic transition within the framework of which all human rights are guaranteed. This is particularly notable in view of Tunisia's ratification of the main international treaties, including in particular the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Rome Treaty that founded the International Criminal Court, the Optional Protocol to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights and the International Convention of Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance. During the visit, the UN official will have a series of meetings with several officials from the Interim Government, as well as with representatives of some national authorities and the different components of civil society. The visit will also provide an opportunity to sign "a Hosting Country Agreement" between Tunisia and the UNHCHR, which is planning to open an office in Tunisia, its inauguration and the official announcement of the start of its activities.