Anti-Migrant Sentiment in Tunisia Endangers Sub-Saharan Refugees

Jonas, a Nigerian refugee, struggled in Tunisia due to rising anti-migrant sentiment and government restrictions. This has led to a severe reduction in support for migrants facing precarious situations. President Kais Saied’s rhetoric has incited racially motivated violence, and the UN has halted new refugee applications. The situation is worsened by European policies aimed at curbing migration, reflecting deep-rooted issues of racism and humanitarian neglect in the country.

Jonas, a Nigerian refugee, faced perilous challenges after a year-long journey to Tunisia, fleeing ethnic violence. Upon his arrival, he encountered a frozen asylum system and a government crackdown on migrant aid groups. In Raoued, he struggles for survival while searching for plastic waste to sustain himself and his family, expressing disillusionment over the lack of support he expected from the United Nations.

Tunisia has become a significant transit point for sub-Saharan migrants aiming for Europe. However, in 2023, Tunisian President Kais Saied’s declaration that “hordes of illegal migrants” threatened the nation led to increased racially driven violence, pushing many migrants away from urban areas. According to the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), the ongoing criminalization of migrants has resulted in thousands being deprived of essential support, placing them in fragile and hazardous conditions.

In June 2022, the UN refugee agency unexpectedly ceased new applications in Tunisia, reportedly due to government directives. The Tunisian foreign ministry defended its actions, asserting a commitment to border security and international obligations. Nevertheless, civil society’s operational space has diminished significantly under Saied, with multiple arrests of migrant aid workers, including key leaders in the humanitarian sector.

Rights advocates in Tunisia describe the government’s actions as part of a strategy to render migrants vulnerable, exacerbated by local economic challenges. Amidst heightened pressures, many Tunisians believe that the country cannot accommodate migrants effectively. Additionally, European nations have intensified measures to prevent migrant arrivals, with leaders like Italian PM Giorgia Meloni forging agreements with Tunisia worth millions to reduce migrant departures.

Consequently, arrivals in the central Mediterranean plummeted over the subsequent year, celebrated by European officials despite reports of severe human rights violations against migrants, including allegations of mass expulsions and exploitative practices by armed groups. A Tunisian academic highlighted the deep-seated racism that persists in the country, suggesting that Saied’s remarks mirror a widespread sentiment among segments of the population, a troubling reality for many, especially those of African descent.

The plight of migrants in Tunisia, particularly those hailing from sub-Saharan Africa, is increasingly precarious, exacerbated by hostile government policies and societal sentiment. With rising anti-migrant rhetoric and a resulting crackdown on humanitarian aid organizations, these individuals face severe challenges in securing basic support and safety. Furthermore, the complicity of European nations in bolstering such oppressive measures renders the situation even more dire, reflecting an urgent need for a reevaluation of migrant treatment and support systems in Tunisia.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com