Independent UN experts denounced, on Monday, October 14, the danger that migrants and refugees face in Tunisia during rescue operations at sea or transfers to border areas. “We have received shocking reports of dangerous maneuvers during operations to intercept migrants, refugees and asylum seekers at sea”they said in a statement, citing in particular hitting and capsizing of ships.
They point out that between January and July, 189 people, including children, lost their lives during the crossings and 265 during interception operations at sea, while 95 people are missing. “For those “rescued” by the coast guard, including victims of trafficking, their situation would only worsen upon disembarking in ports”emphasize the experts, who receive a mandate from the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on its behalf.
They report complaints of forced and arbitrary transfers to the borders with Algeria and Libya, without humanitarian aid. “We are dismayed by the reported violence and excessive use of force during these transfers. Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, including children and pregnant women, would be taken to desert areas on the Algeria-Libya border, and shot by border guards if they tried to return »they insist.
criminal groups
In the press release, the four special rapporteurs and members of the working group on enforced or involuntary disappearances are also concerned about reports that sub-Saharan migrants, refugees and asylum seekers “are subject to increased levels of violence by Tunisian security forces”.
Added to this is the repression of civil society organizations and human rights defenders, which led to the temporary suspension of pre-registration activities and limited migrants’ access to basic services.
Experts also express concern about the increasing number of criminal groups involved in human trafficking and reports of sexual violence, including the rape of women and girls as young as 10 in border areas.
“We are concerned that, despite these serious allegations, Tunisia continues to be considered safe after search and rescue operations at sea, and that cooperation continues. (…) between the European Union and Tunisia »they concluded. In the summer of 2023, the EU and Tunisia signed an agreement that provided, in particular, for European aid of 105 million euros to combat irregular immigration.
