The status of human rights in post-Arab Spring. (c2015)

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between the global human rights regime and the post-Arab Spring constitutional transition, taking Egypt and Tunisia as a comparative case study. First, it assesses hypothetical claim of global human rights regime having played a critical role in catalyzing the equal rights movements in both countries. Second, it reviews post-revolution constitutional changes as well as global human rights development indicators in Tunisia and Egypt in order to determine the extent to which new global human rights principles have been imbedded in the new political foundations. The comparative analysis highlights significant impacts of globalization in inspiring Arab Spring human rights movements. Yet, comparative differences reveal that Tunisia has fared better than Egypt in the formulation and implementation of human rights principles during its transitional period. Egypt’s economic challenges are among the major obstacles undermining the advancement of human rights agenda. Economic developments and social equity remain critical prerequisite for the integration of human rights and political reforms in the region.