Tunisian Interior Minister Kamal al-Faqih has denied allegations of deporting migrants from Sub-Saharan African countries to the Tunisian border with Libya by authorities.
This news comes amidst mounting criticisms faced by Tunisia from human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, concerning the displacement of migrants to remote desert regions along the Libyan border following violent disturbances in the city of Sfax a few weeks ago.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) called on Tunisian authorities for urgent rescue operations for the displaced migrants at the border.
Al-Faqih stated that the reports are inaccurate, adding that the state is committed to the principles of human rights. He also affirmed that the matter is being dealt with in accordance with Tunisian law and international treaties.
The Tunisian Red Crescent (TRC) reported that migrants were sheltered in centers in southern Tunisian cities, where meals are provided to them.
Libyan security forces released a video of migrants in the desert amid intense heat, claiming they were expelled from Tunisia, and included testimonials from some of them.
The Tunisian minister responded by stating that “the Tunisian state is not responsible for what happens outside its territorial borders.”
In addition, al-Faqih emphasized the innocence of the UN Secretary-General regarding the misconceptions attributed to him by some media outlets.
