Migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Tunisia are being subjected to arbitrary arrests, forced displacement, and unlawful expulsions towards the borders of Algeria and Libya.

Development Diaries reports that the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), in a recently published report, noted that the country is under continued pressure from Europe to reduce irregular migration in the Mediterranean.

The report holds Tunisian authorities responsible for violations committed on the territory, including border areas,” citing both firsthand accounts and those of partner non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has so far recorded about 12,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Tunisia.

According to OMCT findings, over 3,000 migrants have been sent to Algeria and at least 5,500 to Libya since June, while about 100 of them died at the Tunisian-Libyan border.

Tunisia has been a destination for migrants from various countries, particularly in North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been a destination for refugees and asylum seekers fleeing conflicts in neighboring countries.

These individuals often face challenges in accessing protection, and there may be concerns about the conditions in refugee camps.

The government of Tunisia must address these issues to ensure the protection of migrants’ rights.

Government policies and their implementation play a crucial role in shaping the conditions of migrants. Efforts to improve legal frameworks, address discrimination, and provide support for integration can contribute to better conditions for migrants.

Development Diaries calls on the Tunisian government to respect the provisions of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) and implement key policies that will enable the protection of migrants.

Photo source: Yousef Murad/AP