133. There is in fact no one who is currently being detained for violating the law on immigration; the
Government prefers to escort them back to the border.
134. Regarding the right to asylum, the National eligibility committee housed within the Ministry of the
Interior deliberates on these cases. The National agency for assistance to refugees and disaster victims
(ONARS) provides support to these populations as well as to internally-displaced citizens. Deported
persons may also benefit from its support upon registration with its services. Djibouti, a haven of peace
and refuge, has always offered assistance to people from neighbouring countries (Ethiopia, Somalia,
Eritrea) affected by wars or natural disasters and the latter have found paid employment in the country.
In addition to this tradition of hospitality, the country is firmly engaged in diplomatic efforts to build
peace in the region and provides continued support for the reconstruction of Somalia. Collective
deportations as a result of racial, ethnic or religious discrimination are hence unknown in Djibouti.
10. Right to participate in public affairs
Article 13
1. Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either
directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.
2. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country.
3. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict
equality of all persons before the law.
135. Since adoption of the 1992 Constitution, Djibouti has progressively put in place measures necessary
for the application of Article 13 of the Charter. The Constitution (Article 6) first established a multiparty system limited to four political parties until 2002 corresponding to a transitional period.
136. A new stage was entered to ensure greater participation of citizens in the management of public affairs
with the adoption in 2012 of the Act introducing proportional representation for legislative elections.
137. The Electoral Act No. 1/AN/92/2nd L prescribes rules for the establishment of political parties, and
the conduct and termination of their activities. Its Article 3 stipulates that “citizens are free to join a political
party of their choice (…). The internal organization of political parties must be based on democratic principles".
138. In terms of eligibility, the provisions of the Constitution relative to Executive and Legislative
powers (Parts III and V) sets out the necessary guarantees in the exercise of the right to stand as a
candidate for the different public offices.
139. It specifies in particular the right for every Djiboutian to stand as a candidate for elections provided
they meet the conditions to be a voter as well as those specific to each elective office. Upon satisfaction
also of the basic requirements (nationality, enjoyment of civil and political rights) and age restrictions –
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