Tunisia is facing a surge in migration due to its geographical proximity to Europe. Criminal networks, taking advantage of this “opportunity,” have chosen the country as a launch platform and show no sign of stopping. Developments are expected in the coming days.
There is no need for speculation, as some skeptics have suggested, calling for deals with Northern countries to better control migration flows from Tunisia’s coasts in exchange for economic support.
Tunisia has categorically rejected any disguised settlement of irregular migrants and condemned any irresponsible political or media exploitation of the suffering of those affected.
Facilitating voluntary return of refugees
In a statement on Wednesday during the 76th session of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR Program in Geneva (October 6–10), Tunisia called on all donors to intensify efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of refugees to their home countries and accelerate resettlement procedures in developed nations with the capacity to welcome them.
Tunisia stressed the need to defuse crises and wars and find peaceful solutions to conflicts worldwide, recalling its efforts as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council (2022–2024) and the UN Security Council (2020–2021).
The statement also emphasized the importance of solidarity among states and burden-sharing to reduce suffering and provide international aid and protection to refugees, including identifying effective and sustainable solutions with adequate resources.
It highlighted the need for clear mechanisms to ease pressure on host countries while preserving refugee dignity, noting that many host countries themselves face major economic and social challenges.
Tunisia reaffirmed its commitment to universal refugee protection principles, international human rights treaties, and humanitarian law provisions.
A comprehensive approach to asylum
The country expressed its willingness to offer suitable conditions for temporary refugee hosting as part of a comprehensive approach to asylum and to address the root causes of displacement.
Tunisia also reiterated its stance in favor of a ceasefire in the occupied Palestinian territories, immediate humanitarian aid delivery, and the lifting of the blockade on the Palestinian people.
Finally, Tunisia called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibility through prompt action to end the ongoing genocide.
