UN experts concerned over deteriorating treatment of migrants in Tunisia

UN experts have raised serious concerns over the alarming treatment of migrants, refugees and human trafficking victims in Tunisia. The signatories of the statement include UN special rapporteurs, contemporary racism, migrants’ rights and human rights defenders.

They highlighted that human rights violations have been taking place during rescue operations at sea as people try to cross the dangerous Mediterranean to Europe, and also during transfers to border areas along neighbouring Libya and other countries.

Tunisia and Libya have become important departure points for migrants seeking better lives in Europe. These people risk perilous journeys in the ocean, often in makeshift boats. Each year, tens of thousands of people attempt to make the crossing from Tunisia.

Reports detailing alarming treatment of migrants

Tunisia’s immigration management is partially funded by Europe. The UN’s International Organisation for Migration has revealed that more than 30,309 migrants have already lost their lives in the busy Mediterranean in the past decade.

In the recent statement, the UN experts emphasised that they have received shocking reports detailing dangerous maneuvers at the time of intercepting migrants at sea, physical violence such as beatings, removal of engines and fuel, and capsizing of boats.

They noted that in the period from January to July, 189 people have reportedly died during attempted Mediterranean crossings and 265 during interception operations at sea. Some 95 others have been reported missing, too.