Tunisian NGOs accuse Europe of turning the Mediterranean into a migrant “graveyard”

Tunisian activists and relatives of migrants who drowned in the Mediterranean while trying to reach Europe staged a protest outside the Italian embassy in Tunis recently, demanding an end to Tunisia’s controversial migration agreements with Europe.

“Europe is turning the Mediterranean into a graveyard, and Italy bears primary responsibility,” said Imad Sultani, president of the Association for Land for All, in comments to The New Arab.

Tunisia serves as a major gateway for thousands of sub-Saharan migrants heading for Europe each year, with Italy as their main destination. Migrants from Tunisia also attempt to make the crossing.

In July 2023, the EU, with Italy’s support, signed a deal with Tunisia to curb irregular migration. Under the agreement, Italy pledged 100 million euros to Tunisia in exchange for patrolling its coastal waters and intercepting migrant boats before they reach Europe.

Activists have condemned recent decisions by Germany and other EU countries to cut funding for civilian rescue boats that save migrants at sea.

“Every move to restrict rescue ships means more deaths. Our job as civil society is to protest and expose the states that enable this violence,” Sultani said.

Italy was singled out for criticism amid reports that detained migrants there face mistreatment that can lead some to suicide.

A report last year from the Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee denounced Italy’s treatment of migrants in detention, citing cases of physical abuse, excessive force, and the use of psychotropic drugs on detainees.