Tunisian authorities are under intense scrutiny following a report from UN experts highlighting severe human rights violations against migrants. The report, released on October 14, describes the situation as “shocking,” detailing dangerous practices employed by Tunisian security forces in their attempts to intercept migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers at sea.
The report reveals alarming incidents, including physical violence such as beatings, threats of firearms, and acts leading to the capsizing of boats. Between January and July of this year, it noted that at least 189 individuals, including children, drowned while crossing the Mediterranean, while 265 died during interception operations. Additionally, 95 individuals were reported missing, raising concerns about enforced disappearances.
The UN experts condemned the violence and excessive force used during these encounters. Once migrants set foot in Tunisia, they reportedly face further dangers, including being taken to remote desert areas near the borders with Algeria and Libya, where border guards have allegedly opened fire if they attempt to return. The report also highlights obstacles faced by aid organizations attempting to assist these vulnerable groups.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Tunisian authorities have yet to respond publicly to the UN’s findings. However, past statements from the government have consistently denied any wrongdoing, and human rights activists continue to document mistreatment.
Under President Kais Saied’s administration, Tunisia’s approach to migrants has significantly hardened. Critics of Saied’s increasingly authoritarian rule have pointed to his dismissive comments about migrants and the government’s shift in policy since he came to power in 2019. His recent reelection has been marred by accusations of undemocratic practices.
Migrants in Tunisia have corroborated the UN experts’ claims. One refugee from Burkina Faso described a harrowing experience at sea, where Tunisian security forces surrounded their boat aggressively. He recounted how, upon reaching a refugee camp, police confiscated their phones and food, further exacerbating their hardships. Another migrant from Guinea shared similar experiences of theft and violence from security forces.
The European Union has called for Tunisia to investigate these serious allegations, but the Tunisian government has not yet taken action. The EU and Tunisia’s migration pact, established in July 2023, aimed to provide financial aid to improve border protection, which has included funding for the Tunisian coast guard and the repatriation of migrants.
Human rights activists like Romdhane Ben Amor have criticized the EU’s support for the Saied administration, arguing that it only exacerbates human rights violations. They assert that cooperation between the EU and Tunisia on migration control is similar to past agreements with Libya, which have led to widespread abuse of migrants’ rights.
As part of ongoing concerns, Tunisia has also begun deporting migrants who return by sea, leaving them stranded at the borders with Libya and Algeria. In response to these allegations, a European Commission spokesperson indicated plans for an independent monitoring mission in Tunisia, although it remains uncertain if the Tunisian government will accept this proposal.