The Council was established in 1998 by around thirty people, including Moncef Marzouki, Mustapha Ben Jaafar and Sihem Bensedrine.
Noting that the LTDH can no longer function normally, 34 personalities the vast majority of human rights activists, decided to found the CNLT in 1998.
However, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's government did not recognize the organization and prohibited its activities.
In response to its ban in 1999 the CNLT files a lawsuit at the Administrative court against the Ministry of Interior for abuse of power.
The CNLT also assisted victims of abuse and their families particularly at the time of trials and following their imprisonment or during additional administrative penalties.