Geneva - Tunisia: Europe and the Arabs
Independent UN experts have expressed their alarm at reports of serious violations of the rights of migrants, refugees and victims of human trafficking during search and rescue operations and transfers to border areas in Tunisia. According to the UN daily news bulletin
In a statement issued yesterday, Monday, the independent experts said that they had received "shocking" reports of dangerous maneuvers, the use of violence, the removal of engines and fuel, and the capsizing of boats when intercepting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers at sea.
They pointed out that 189 people died during the crossing, while 265 people were killed during interceptions at sea, from the beginning of the year until July. 95 people were also missing, and in some cases, "may be victims of enforced disappearance or acts tantamount to enforced disappearance," according to the experts.
They stressed that the situation of those rescued by the Tunisian Coast Guard "worsens upon disembarkation in ports," where allegations of arbitrary forced transfers to the country's borders "without access to humanitarian assistance" were reported.
“We are appalled by the reported violence and excessive use of force during these transfers. Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, including children and pregnant women, are allegedly being transferred to desert areas bordering Algeria and Libya, and are shot by border guards if they attempt to return,” the experts said.

The experts also expressed concerns about the alleged failure to identify, assist and protect victims of human trafficking, and ensure their access to international protection, as well as reports that sub-Saharan migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are subjected to higher levels of violence by Tunisian security forces.

They also expressed concern about the reported increase in criminal groups involved in human trafficking and about reports of sexual violence, including rape, against migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Tunisia. The experts noted that the crackdown on civil society organizations and human rights defenders supporting migrants, asylum seekers and refugees has led to the temporary suspension of pre-registration activities and has restricted migrants’ access to essential services. They expressed their concern that despite these serious allegations, Tunisia continues to be considered a safe place after search and rescue operations at sea, and "cooperation continues after the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding on a strategic and global partnership between the European Union and Tunisia, which seriously undermines international human rights and international refugee law." Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council in Geneva, an intergovernmental body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. Rapporteurs and experts are tasked with examining human rights situations and reporting on them to the Human Rights Council. It should be noted that this position is honorary, as these experts are not employees of the United Nations and do not receive a salary for their work