The United Nations shows its concern about the expulsion of migrants from Tunisia to the borders

2023-08-02 06:15:12

MADRID, 2 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The United Nations has shown its concern about the expulsion of migrants from Tunisia to the borders with Libya and Algeria, after the deportation of thousands of migrants who are in Tunisian territory to areas with high temperatures and without aid or resources has been documented. .

The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, has shown his “deep concern” about the expulsion of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers from Tunisia,” according to his deputy spokesman, Farhan Haq, at a press conference.

“We reiterate that all migrants, refugees and asylum seekers must be protected and treated with dignity, with full respect for their Human Rights, regardless of their status and in accordance with International Law,” Haq said.

Several migrants have died on the Libyan border and hundreds, including pregnant women and children, are reportedly still stranded in appalling conditions with limited access to food and water.

That is why the deputy spokesman has reiterated the call made by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for the “immediate cessation” of these expulsions and urgent relocation. of those stranded along the border to places of safety.

Tunisian authorities began a campaign of deportations in early July following several violent incidents between groups of migrants and residents of the port city of Sfax, one of the main departure points to the European mainland.

It should be remembered that numerous NGOs have accused the Tunisian president of encouraging a campaign of xenophobic violence against sub-Saharan migrants who use the country as a springboard to reach Europe. And it is that Tunisia has become in recent years one of the main starting points for boats with which migrants from the country and those arriving from sub-Saharan Africa try to make the crossing through the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.

In addition, the European Union and Tunisia have signed an agreement this month whereby the North African country agrees to cooperate with Brussels on immigration in exchange for a financial aid package estimated at around 900 million euros.