Forum Tunisien des Droits Economiques et Sociaux

The Forum Tunisien pour les Droits Economiques & Sociaux (FTDES) is a prominent Tunisian civil society organisation which existed before the 2011 revolution but was formally established afterwards. The group originated spontaneously as a ‘support committee for social movements’ and set up by 20 independent human rights activists some of whom were affiliated with the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) and the Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH). FTDES monitors civil and political rights in the country and publishes monthly data about migration, collective protests, violence and suicide. It defends economic and social rights in Tunisia working through regional networks of social movements with a focus on women’s groups, asylum seekers, workers and communities affected by pollution who are not unionised. FTDES identifies and supports activism by offering networking, advocacy, media exposure, capacity building, research and legal assistance. It highlights structural discrimination, ecological destruction as well as stigma and violence which marginalised groups face with the aim of improving accountability and public policy. FTDES’ work is organised thematically across Migrant’s Rights, Labour Rights, Women’s Rights, Environmental Justice and Transitional Justice.