The Tunisian National Guard announced on Sunday the dismantling of a network actively involved in human smuggling both by land and sea from a neighboring country towards the Sfax governorate. In a statement, the National Guard explained that as part of their efforts to combat illegal immigration, a patrol was able to dismantle this network specialized in human trafficking.
They managed the process of bringing people in stages, providing them shelter, and then facilitating their illegal migration covertly. During the operation, 13 foreigners who were found in a house were arrested. The suspects have been referred to the public prosecutor’s office, which ordered the necessary legal actions to be taken against them.
Tunisia is recognized for its efforts to combat human trafficking but is still encountering significant hurdles in effectively prosecuting offenders, protecting victims, and raising public awareness. The government’s enforcement of anti-trafficking laws has seen limited progress, and there have been no substantial actions in terms of investigations, prosecutions, or convictions related to trafficking offenses. Additionally, Tunisia’s efforts to provide shelter and services to trafficking victims are limited, with a notable lack of resources and shelters to support vulnerable populations, including trafficking victims.
Despite these challenges, Tunisia has made strides in creating mechanisms and strategies to address human trafficking. The country has established designated areas in social care centers for victims of all forms of trafficking, where they can receive various forms of assistance, including employment support. There are also specialized units in hospitals dedicated to caring for victims of violence, including sexual exploitation. However, there’s an overall scarcity of services, particularly for child trafficking victims and male victims of trafficking and violence, highlighting the need for more comprehensive support systems.
