InfoMigrants: Over 30 NGOs call for investigation into alleged human rights abuses against migrants in Tunisia

InfoMigrants, a news outlet focusing on migrant issues, says over 30 Tunisian and international non-governmental organizations (NGO) are calling for investigations into reports of systemic human rights abuses perpetrated against sub-Saharan Africans in the country.

They allege migrants have faced arbitrary detention and forced relocations. They also accuse authorities of turning a blind eye to violence and hatred directed at black Africans. 

Tunisia’s proximity to Italy has made the country a popular stopgap for sub-Saharan Africans seeking to migrate to Europe. Tunisia was previously known for its welcoming attitude towards black Africans but rights groups say things changed dramatically after a controversial speech by President Kais Saied in February 2023

In the speech, he accused illegal migrants of threatening the demographic makeup of Tunisia. He also called for urgent action to halt the flow of migrants into the country. 

Human rights groups accuse Tunisia of expelling black migrants to the desert without food or water. Many reportedly died. 

InfoMigrants says the NGOs also condemn the European Union’s policy of signing migration pacts with several North African countries to stem the flow of migrants to European shores.