REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA

Mainly covers the period June 1998 to April 2001 as well as including some earlier information.

  • Population:
    – total: 9,460,000
    – under-18s: 3,563,000
  • Government armed forces:
    – active: 35,000
    – paramilitary: 12,000
  • Compulsory recruitment age: 201933
  • Voluntary recruitment age: 18
  • Voting age (government elections): 20
  • Child soldiers: none indicated
  • CRC-OP-CAC: not signed
  • Other treaties ratified: CRC; GC/API+II; ILO 138; ILO 182
  • There are no indications of under-18s in government armed forces.

GOVERNMENT FORCES

National Recruitment Legislation and Practice

Article 15 of the Constitution says that "the defence of the country and the integrity of its territory is a sacred duty of every citizen." According to Law No. 89-51 of 14 March 1989, recruitment into the armed forces is compulsory for all citizens once they have attained the age of 20. Nevertheless, voluntary recruitment is possible for every citizen who is over 18, with the consent of the legal guardian, and the approval of the Ministry of Defence.1934

National service lasts for 12 months, including a period of training which is determined by specific rules. The recruits subsequently belong to the reserve forces for a period of 24 years. After training, it is possible for conscripted youths to be transferred to the armed forces or the 'Development Units', or to do their national service in the civil service administration, in a business or within technical co-operation (Article 3 of the Law).1935

Military Training and Military Schools

The age requirement for entering military schools is between 18 and 23.

1933 Brett and McCallin op. cit.

1934 Article 1 and Article 27 of the Law No. 89-51 of 14/3/89.

1935 Letter from the Tunisian Ambassador to the UN in Geneva addressed to CSC, 11/1/99.

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