DAMJ, the Tunisian Association for Justice and Equality
Damj, the Tunisian Association for Justice and Equality, is a human rights organisations that promotes justice, equality and inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community in Tunisia. It was established in 2002 to safeguard the rights of marginalized individuals facing criminalization and discrimination because of their sexual orientation and gender identities.The organisation actively strives to decriminalize homosexuality and diverse gender identities, channeling its efforts through legal reforms, networking events, communal gatherings, and collaborations with civil society partners. Damj extends its advocacy to the national and international level, forging partnerships with human rights groups to advance legal empowerment for the queer community in Tunisia. Concurrently, Damj provides protection, legal assistance, and capacity building for queer individuals and activists.Damj addresses critical needs and stands as a dedicated advocate for LGBTQI+ rights in Tunisia while facing violations and challenges including discrimination, violence, defamation campaigns and unjust arrests of its employees and members.
Following the ousting of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali as a result of the historic protests in 2011, the situation for human rights defenders (HRDs) in Tunisia began to improve substantially. In particular the lifting of legal impediments to the work of human rights defenders and progress in the adoption of human rights legislation have been significant. Numerous HRDs who had been persecuted by the Ben Ali's regime found opportunities for viable political participation including, notably, Moncef Marzouki who was elected interim President.
