Tunisia is facing growing criticism from civil society groups over its silence on a mounting humanitarian crisis involving the deaths of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) has condemned what it describes as a “conspiracy of silence” by national authorities in response to the recent discovery of dozens of migrant bodies along the coastal areas of Sfax and Mahdia.
FTDES spokesperson Romdhane Ben Amor voiced his concerns during an interview on Express FM, accusing the Tunisian government of failing to address or even acknowledge the worsening migrant crisis. He said that in recent days, tens of bodies have washed ashore along the country’s eastern coastline. Most of these migrants, he added, were believed to be from Sub-Saharan Africa, who had embarked on the dangerous sea journey aboard overcrowded and unseaworthy dinghies in hopes of reaching Europe.
The organization said it is unacceptable that there has been no official communication from the government regarding the precise number of fatalities or the identities of the deceased. This lack of transparency, Ben Amor warned, not only deepens the tragedy but also highlights a major failure in state responsibility.
According to FTDES, this is not an isolated incident but part of a recurring pattern that reflects both the dangerous conditions migrants face and the inadequacy of Tunisia’s response. The group has also strongly criticized the Tunisian coast guard, accusing them of using aggressive tactics against migrant boats and failing to conduct effective rescue operations. Reports have emerged of violent clashes at sea, poorly coordinated rescue efforts, and even collisions with migrant vessels during interceptions.
In addition to insufficient rescue measures, the Forum expressed alarm over the difficulty in identifying deceased migrants due to the lack of a national DNA database. As a result, many victims remain nameless, and their families are left without closure. FTDES emphasized the urgent need for proper identification systems and for authorities to ensure that the remains are returned to families whenever possible.
Ben Amor also warned that Tunisia’s silence in the face of these deaths could conceal what he calls “systematic human rights violations.” He stated that this silence becomes especially dangerous in a context where civic organizations and NGOs are under increasing scrutiny and pressure, particularly since the appointment of Khaled Nouri as the country’s new Interior Minister in May.
As Tunisia continues to clear informal migrant camps around areas like Sfax—reportedly evicting around 7,000 people—civil society groups argue that the country must shift from repression to transparency and humanitarian cooperation. FTDES called for the government to improve rescue protocols at sea, implement better systems for identifying deceased migrants, and work closely with international humanitarian agencies to prevent future tragedies.
Ben Amor concluded with a warning that unless immediate action is taken, the ongoing migration and humanitarian crisis in the Central Mediterranean will only deepen, with more lives lost and more families torn apart by silence and inaction.