Published May 2026

Tunisia’s implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation No. 8 is increasingly affecting the operating environment for civil society organizations, according to a new report prepared by Tunisian civil society representatives and experts. The report examines how anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) measures are being applied to Tunisia’s non-profit sector and assesses whether current practices comply with FATF standards and international human rights principles.

Drawing on legal analysis, expert interviews, and a survey of Tunisian associations, the report finds that Tunisia is failing to apply a proportionate, risk-based approach as required under Recommendation No. 8. Instead, broad restrictions, excessive banking controls, and investigations targeting organizations critical of the government are contributing to shrinking civic space and disrupting legitimate civil society activity.

The report highlights concerns including the misuse of terrorism financing frameworks against human rights organizations, growing financial exclusion of associations due to banking “de-risking,” pressure on oversight institutions, and declining rates of new association registration. At the same time, surveyed organizations demonstrated generally strong compliance with existing financial and administrative obligations despite limited resources and growing operational constraints.