Rising anti-migrant sentiment in Tunisia endangers Sub-Saharan migrants, as demonstrated by the plight of individuals like Jonas who, after fleeing violence in Nigeria, find little assistance. Government crackdowns on aid organizations and a hostile atmosphere following President Kais Saied’s speech have left many in perilous situations. Europe’s collaboration with Tunisia complicates the crisis, as violations against migrants continue unabated.
The surge of anti-migrant sentiment in Tunisia is placing individuals from the Sub-Saharan region in jeopardy, notably impacting those like Jonas, who fled ethnic violence in Nigeria. After enduring a perilous journey through Niger and Libya, Jonas arrived in Tunisia last November, only to confront a stagnant asylum system and a government crackdown on aid organizations. He expressed his despair, stating, “I have no assistance here,” revealing the harsh conditions faced by many migrants seeking refuge.
Tunisia serves as a vital transit point for thousands of Sub-Saharan migrants aiming for Europe by sea each year. Notably, President Kais Saied characterized irregular migrants as a demographic threat, which sparked racially motivated assaults against them. Reports from the World Organisation Against Torture highlighted ongoing criminalization of migrants in Tunisia, leading to the deprivation of essential support and leaving them in vulnerable situations.
In June 2022, the UN refugee agency ceased accepting new applications in Tunisia, a decision attributed to directives from the Tunisian government. The foreign ministry has responded to allegations of mistreatment, asserting that Tunisia balances border protection with international obligations. However, civil society groups report significant limitations on their operations under President Saied, with numerous activists detained for their involvement with migrant support.
Romdhane Ben Amor of the Tunisian rights group FTDES claims there is a deliberate strategy to exacerbate migrants’ vulnerabilities, coinciding with rising unemployment in Tunisia. Amidst this climate, European nations have intensified efforts to curb migrant arrivals, contributing to a sense of entrapment among those seeking asylum. Ben Amor criticized European complicity in the situation, pointing out the agreements signed to reinforce repression while migrants suffer at the borders.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s recent collaboration with Tunisia has been framed positively despite reports of serious human rights violations against migrants. Anonymous researchers accused Tunisia of engaging in mass expulsions and trafficking migrants to Libyan forces. Furthermore, an academic noted that Tunisia’s deep-rooted issues of racism are laid bare by political discourse, with many marginalized voices feeling validated rather than surprised by the administration’s stance. The current environment in Tunisia poses an urgent challenge to the welfare of Sub-Saharan migrants, echoing longstanding issues of racism and inequality in the region.
The situation for Sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia is dire, marked by an increase in anti-migrant sentiment, governmental crackdowns on aid, and racial violence. The cessation of UN support and the systematic criminalization of migrants exacerbate their suffering. The Tunisian government’s actions, compounded by European complicity, amplify an already precarious environment, demonstrating a troubling trajectory for human rights in the country. Overall, expansive measures to combat migration threaten not just the welfare, but also the lives of vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
