According to a recent survey by GuardianTunisian authorities are regularly guilty of human rights violations against migrants. While the European Union (EU) signed a memorandum of understanding with Tunisia in July 2023 to curb illegal immigration, Brussels denies having financed the units responsible for these abuses.
In July 2023, the European Union (EU) and Tunisia signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing migration from the North African country to Europe, but the deal immediately sparked opposition from MEPs, who were concerned about human rights violations.
Last July, Tunisia’s handling of migrants came under scrutiny after authorities arrested 38 migrants following clashes with the Tunisian coastguard.
A little over a year after the signing of the agreement, an investigation by the British daily The Guardian published on Thursday, September 19, reveals some of the most serious cases of human rights violations against migrants, including cases of sexual and systematic violence.
In his investigation, The Guardian also revealed that European funds were paid to groups accused of being directly involved in cases of abuse, citing a document obtained by the NGO Statewatch – claims that were denied by a spokesperson for the European Commission on Tuesday (September 24).
“EU funds for migration programmes in Tunisia are distributed via international organisations”the spokesperson said.
Asked by Euractiv whether the Commission still trusted Tunisia to investigate any wrongdoing by its authorities despite the allegations, the spokesperson replied that:“As a partner of Tunisia, we expect it to properly investigate these cases.”
He added that the EU intends to set up an independent monitoring mission in Tunisia later this year.
ICC investigation request
On Tuesday, September 24, a collective of Tunisian families and opposition figures asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate attacks on African migrants in Tunisia.
“Our clients hope that this case will highlight the seriousness of the situation with the EU and make it very clear that the EU should not support those who commit international crimes in Tunisia.”Rodney Dixon KC, the lawyer representing the collective, told Euractiv.
The ICC prosecutor’s office has received the complaints, he told EURACTIV, but added that he could not confirm whether the case would ultimately be brought before the court.
However, if the EU were to recognise the violations and consequently stop or limit its agreement with Tunisia, the Union risks seeing an increase in the number of crossings between Tunisia and Italy.
On Tuesday, AFP reported that as part of the deal with Tunisia, the EU transferred €105 million for Tunisia’s migration policy, in addition to €150 million in budget support.
*Giada Santana contributed to this article.
[Édité par Anna Martino]
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