EU Commission Should Take Action to Address Tunisia’s Abuses Against Migrants

EU Commission Should Stop Ignoring Tunisia’s Abuses Against Migrants

The Controversial Migration Control Deal

On Friday, the European Union (EU) Commission announced its decision to move forward with a controversial deal on migration control, despite concerns about human rights violations. The deal, which was reached in July, involves providing financial support to Tunisia for migration management in exchange for preventing migrant boats from irregularly departing for Europe. The EU will imminently release 67 million euros to Tunisia as part of this agreement.

It is deeply concerning that the EU Commission has chosen to ignore the absence of specific human rights guarantees for migrants and asylum seekers in Tunisia before providing the funds. Furthermore, there is no indication that the EU has evaluated the extent to which these funds might make the bloc complicit in human rights abuses.

This rush to send money to Tunisia comes in the wake of a significant increase in boats departing from the country in recent weeks. This pattern underscores the EU’s misguided prioritization of sealing its borders over saving lives. Not only does this approach allow partners like Tunisia to evade accountability for their abuses, but it also gives them leverage to demand more financial aid from the EU.

Abuses by the Tunisian Coast Guard

Part of the funding allocation, estimated at 42 million euros, will be directed to Tunisia‘s coast guard and navy. While sea rescues are undoubtedly essential, it is clear that the EU’s primary interest lies in having the Tunisian coast guard intercept and forcibly return outgoing boats. However, organizations such as Human Rights Watch have documented numerous abuses committed by the coast guard during and after interceptions. These abuses include beatings, theft of belongings from migrants and asylum seekers, leaving people adrift at sea, and engaging in dangerous maneuvers that could result in boats capsizing.

The mistreatment of migrants and asylum seekers by the Tunisian coast guard is just one aspect of the larger issue of escalating violence against Black Africans in Tunisia. These vulnerable individuals face increased violence, arbitrary detention, and forced evictions, which have been exacerbated by the racial hate speech of the Tunisian president in February. The situation reached a devastating climax when Tunisian security forces unlawfully expelled over 1,300 Black African foreigners, including children, to border zones with Libya and Algeria. These individuals were subjected to days and weeks without adequate access to food and water, and at least 27 people reportedly died at the border.

Lack of Human Rights Assessment and Monitoring

Two weeks ago, the EU ombudsman rightly raised concerns about the lack of a human rights assessment by the commission and demanded to know its plans for monitoring the implementation of the deal with Tunisia. Unfortunately, she was completely ignored.

The EU must take greater responsibility for its actions and ensure that Tunisia meets basic human rights benchmarks before releasing any funding. Failure to do so not only risks implicating the EU in further fueling serious human rights abuses but also perpetuates immense suffering for vulnerable individuals.

Editorial: The EU’s Complicity in Human Rights Abuses

The EU’s decision to proceed with the migration control deal with Tunisia, despite the absence of human rights guarantees and evaluations, raises serious ethical and moral concerns. By providing financial support to a country with a documented history of human rights violations against migrants and asylum seekers, the EU is effectively endorsing and perpetuating these abuses.

It is disheartening to witness the EU’s prioritization of border control over safeguarding human lives. The EU should instead focus on establishing comprehensive and humane migration policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of migrants and asylum seekers.

The current approach not only enables abusive behavior by partner countries but also undermines the EU’s credibility as a defender of human rights on the global stage. The EU Commission’s decision to disregard the EU ombudsman’s concerns and persist with funding allocation without proper human rights assessments and monitoring further erodes trust in the EU’s commitment to upholding human rights standards.

This case also serves as a reminder that stricter border control measures do not address the root causes of migration. Instead of investing in interception and return strategies, the EU should prioritize addressing the underlying factors that drive migration, such as poverty, conflict, and political instability. By investing in sustainable development, conflict prevention, and supporting human rights abroad, the EU can contribute to long-term solutions that benefit both migrants and host countries.

Advice: Prioritizing Human Rights and Accountability

The EU Commission must prioritize human rights and hold partner countries accountable for any abuses committed against migrants and asylum seekers. Here are some suggestions to address the current situation:

1. Implement Human Rights Assessments

The EU should make it a standard practice to conduct rigorous human rights assessments before entering into any agreements or providing financial support to partner countries. These assessments should evaluate the partner country’s track record on human rights and its commitment to upholding international standards. Funding should only be provided if the partner country meets a minimum threshold of human rights compliance.

2. Establish Robust Monitoring Mechanisms

The EU must develop strong monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the funds provided to partner countries are not being used to perpetuate human rights abuses. Regular assessments should be conducted to evaluate the impact of financial support and to identify any violations or unethical practices. Transparency and accountability should be central to these monitoring efforts.

3. Engage in Diplomatic Dialogue

The EU should engage in open and honest diplomatic dialogue with partner countries, emphasizing the importance of human rights and expressing concerns over any documented abuses. This dialogue should focus on building partnerships that prioritize human rights, rather than solely focusing on migration control. It is crucial to approach these discussions with a willingness to address the root causes of migration and work collaboratively toward sustainable solutions.

4. Advocate for International Cooperation

The EU should actively advocate for international cooperation on migration issues, promoting dialogue and coordination among countries of origin, transit, and destination. By working together, countries can develop comprehensive and coordinated responses that prioritize the dignity, safety, and rights of migrants and asylum seekers. The EU should take the lead in promoting a global approach to migration that upholds human rights and emphasizes cooperation over securitization.

In conclusion, the EU Commission must reassess its approach to migration control and prioritize the protection of human rights. By implementing rigorous assessments, establishing robust monitoring mechanisms, engaging in diplomatic dialogue, and advocating for international cooperation, the EU can play a pivotal role in advancing a more humane and rights-based approach to migration.

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