In a recent joint statement, 63 humanitarian organizations have voiced their concerns regarding the European Union’s collaboration with Tunisia on returning migrants intercepted at sea. They argue that this partnership contributes to significant human rights violations against vulnerable individuals. The statement, dated October 4, is titled “Tunisia is not a place of safety for people rescued at sea.”
Prominent signatories of the statement include well-known organizations such as SOS Humanity, Sea-Watch, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. They urge Tunisian authorities to halt human rights abuses against migrants and to cease the repression of civil society. The statement emphasizes that the EU and its member states, by strengthening their cooperation with Tunisia to keep migrants away from European shores, are violating human rights established by international conventions.
Marie Michel from SOS Humanity highlighted the dangers faced by refugees in Tunisia, stating, “Human rights violations in that country against people in movement have been documented in hundreds of cases, especially from the spring of 2023 until today.” She pointed out that Tunisia lacks a proper asylum system and protection for refugees.
Michel further explained that for humanitarian organizations like hers, bringing rescued individuals to Tunisia would mean violating international law. “Tunisia, like Libya, is not a safe place,” she asserted.
The NGOs that signed the appeal are calling on the EU and its member states to demand an end to human rights violations against refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in Tunisia. With a search and rescue zone established in Tunisia in June 2024, they emphasize the need for Europe to ensure the respect of international law and human rights, both at sea and within Tunisia itself.