Summary:

On 24 September 2024, European Commission Spokeswoman, Anna Pisonero, called on Tunisia to fully investigate allegations of wrongdoing involving its security forces, including addressing recent reports of sexual exploitation of irregular migrants. 

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The statements were in response to journalists’ questions about the recent Guardian investigation, which claim that migrants’ human rights are repeatedly violated in Tunisia, including the rape of female migrants by security forces. 

The spokesperson also said that the Commission intends to create a monitoring system and to contract independent monitoring experts to verify respect for the ‘do no harm principle’ in the context of EU funded programs. 

Meanwhile, families of detained Tunisian opposition politicians, who are already funding a case against the Tunisian authorities, are making a new submission to the international criminal court (ICC) demanding it open an investigation into crimes against humanity against sub-Saharan migrants. 

Outlook: 

The recent allegations are likely to put more pressure on the EU and Tunisia to review their cooperation on border management and security. 

However, the Tunisian administration is unlikely to respond favorably to such pressure as it has persistently denied any violation of migrants’ rights by its security forces. Some analysts view this an effort by President Saied’s administration to protect the security apparatus upon which the incumbent President is building power. 

In the near term, calls for investigations and monitoring are unlikely to substantively impact EU-Tunisia cooperation on border management. This is due to the fact that many EU politicians and their constituents are satisfied with the outcomes of recent increases in aid that have been assessed as resulting in a decrease in migrant arrivals in Europe. With both the EU and Tunisia benefiting from the current relationship, the recent reports and any follow-on investigations are unlikely to disrupt plans and agreements. 

Nevertheless, the recent findings are likely to empower civil society organizations to challenge the Tunisian state and call for the respect of human rights, including migrants’ rights. An emboldened civil society could create additional political challenges for President Saied’s administration, even following his likely victory in the upcoming election. 

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