Tunisia: NGO’s call migration policies “silent genocide”

Tunisian rights groups are intensifying calls for their government to abandon its migration deal with the European Union (EU), accusing both Tunis and European nations of contributing to a “silent genocide” in the Mediterranean, The New Arab reported on July 3rd.

On July 2nd, protesters gathered outside the Italian embassy in Tunis, urging an end to policies they claim have turned the sea into a mass grave for migrants,. Relatives of missing Tunisians joined activists in condemning EU states for restricting funds to civilian rescue missions — a move they say is costing lives.

“Europe is turning the Mediterranean into a graveyard, and Italy bears primary responsibility,” said Imad Sultani, head of the Association for Land for All.

Italy’s treatment of migrants has faced sharp criticism. A December report from the Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee cited cases of abuse, excessive force, and the forced use of sedatives in detention centres.

Families at the rally displayed photos of missing loved ones, demanding official investigations. Since 2011, over 5,000 Tunisians are believed to have disappeared in the Mediterranean, though official records cover only a small fraction of those cases.

The Central Mediterranean remains one of the most perilous migration routes to Europe. So far this year, nearly 30,000 people — including more than 5,000 unaccompanied minors — have arrived in Italy by sea, according to government figures.

The protest followed Germany’s recent decision to end financial support for NGOs operating rescue ships in the Mediterranean, leaving groups like Sea-Eye and SOS Humanity facing critical funding gaps.

Despite growing concerns over rights violations, the EU paid Tunisia $150 million in 2023 under a migration control agreement, a move activists say strengthens authoritarian rule while increasing the risks for those attempting the dangerous crossing.

Activists warn that without immediate policy changes and restored rescue operations, the Mediterranean will continue claiming lives, while European governments distance themselves from the humanitarian consequences of their border strategy.

The New Arab, Maghrebi.org