Jonas, a Nigerian refugee, faces dire conditions in Tunisia as anti-migrant sentiment surges and support systems collapse. President Kais Saied’s inflammatory remarks have triggered violence against sub-Saharan migrants. The UN halted new refugee applications at the Tunisian government’s request, while international actions exacerbate the plight of migrants. Reports detail severe abuses, calling attention to a troubling history of racism in Tunisia.
Jonas, a Nigerian refugee, endured over a year of perilous travel to reach Tunisia after fleeing ethnic violence in Nigeria. Upon his arrival last November, he was confronted with a stagnant asylum process and a heavy clampdown on aid for migrants. “I have no assistance here,” said Jonas. He is forced to scavenge plastic waste to make a living, expressing his disappointment at the lack of support from the United Nations.
Tunisia remains a crucial transit point for numerous sub-Saharan migrants seeking to reach Europe by sea. Recently, President Kais Saied’s remarks labeling migrants as “hordes of illegal migrants” sparked racially motivated violence, driving many sub-Saharan migrants from urban centers. A report from the World Organisation Against Torture indicated that Tunisian authorities continue to criminalize migrants, leaving many in precarious situations without necessary support.
In June 2022, the UN refugee agency halted new applications in Tunisia due to directives from the Tunisian government. The authorities have dismissed allegations made against them, insisting that their border management respects international obligations. Civil society organizations, however, have noted a decline in their operational capacity under Saied’s regime, with many key figures in migrant aid detained.
Romdhane Ben Amor from the FTDES has suggested that these actions reflect a plan to destabilize migrants further. Amid economic challenges, many Tunisians perceive their country as unable to accommodate migrants. As Europe attempts to limit migrant arrivals, the situation for migrants becomes increasingly dire. In 2023, Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, engaged Tunisia in significant agreements to curb migration, further complicating the plight of sub-Saharan migrants facing violations in Tunisia.
Significant reports have emerged detailing serious abuses against migrants, including forced expulsions and sales to Libyan militias for ransom. Despite growing international concern over these violations, some members of the Tunisian academic community expressed that Saied’s actions merely reflect long-standing issues of racism within Tunisian society.
Jonas’ plight underscores the grave challenges faced by sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia amidst a climate of rising anti-migrant sentiment and government crackdowns on support systems. With international agencies halting services and civil society groups under duress, the precarious situation for migrants continues to deteriorate. Furthermore, Tunisia’s increasing collaboration with European leaders raises serious ethical concerns regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations. These developments highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to safeguard the rights and welfare of migrants.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
