- Two bodies have been recovered and about 12 migrants are missing after a migrant boat capsized off the Tunisian coast.
- The EU allocated €105 million ($121 million) for migration-related support to Tunisia in 2023, but dangerous crossings from Tunisia’s southern coast have continued.
- Migrant departures from Tunisia have declined significantly since the European Union (EU) and Tunisia reached an agreement in 2023 aimed at addressing irregular migration.
- Rights organisations have reported concerns about the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers in Tunisia, including collective expulsions, racial violence, arbitrary detention and alleged abuses against Black migrants.
- In July, Amnesty International said continued EU support for Tunisian border control was contributing to serious human rights violations.
At least two people have died and 12 remain missing after a migrant boat capsized off Tunisia's southern coast, according to the National Guard. The boat, which departed from Zarzis, was believed to be carrying around 15 migrants attempting to reach Italy.
The incident occurred early Thursday, with a commercial vessel rescuing the only known survivor on Saturday. The survivor, who was wearing a life jacket, provided an account of the tragedy, prompting authorities to deploy helicopters and coast guard vessels for further search efforts.
Zarzis has long been a departure point for migrants from Tunisia and other African nations seeking to cross the Mediterranean. Despite a significant decline in migrant departures since the EU-Tunisia deal in 2023, dangerous crossings persist. In 2022, a similar incident involving a boat carrying 18 people led to weeks of protests by families of the missing, who accused authorities of inadequate search efforts.23
The EU allocated €105 million ($121 million) for migration-related support to Tunisia in 2023, which includes financial and technical assistance for border controls and coast guard training. However, rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants in Tunisia, citing issues such as collective expulsions and racial violence. In July, Amnesty International criticized the EU's support for Tunisian border control, linking it to serious human rights violations against refugees and asylum seekers.45
“The EU allocated €105 million ($121 million) for migration-related support to Tunisia in 2023, yet families in Zarzis continue searching for relatives lost at sea. Amnesty International in July said EU border-control support contributes to serious human rights violations, including collective expulsions and racial violence.”
Daily Pioneer
