The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, in a statement on Friday evening, affirmed that Tunisia renews its categorical rejection of the distortions and rumors that took the form of intentional campaigns backed by parties seeking to inflame the situation. These parties aim to overshadow the efforts made by the Tunisian state to ensure the protection, encompassment, and care for irregular migrants, in addition to attempting to tarnish Tunisia’s image and interests. This comes in response to reports and statements issued by international organizations and several media outlets about the Tunisian authorities’ handling of the unprecedented increase in irregular migrant flows.
The Ministry confirmed Tunisia’s commitment to continuing to take all necessary measures to protect its land and sea borders and prevent any attempts to cross them illegally. It reiterated its affirmation that it will not become a transit or settling state for irregular migrants while respecting all agreements, charters, and international and regional treaties regulating migration and the rules of international humanitarian law.
The Foreign Ministry highlighted in its statement the Tunisian authorities’ keenness on treating migrants well and addressing any individual excesses that might occur. It demonstrated that the Tunisian state has spared no effort, with the assistance of the Tunisian Red Crescent, to provide all necessary needs for these migrants, secure their necessary medical care, and enable them to connect with their families in their home countries.
It drew attention to Tunisia’s call for United Nations organizations with relevant competencies to undertake their role responsibly in relief operations and secure basic needs amid this unprecedented influx of migrants. It suggested they not be content with issuing statements expressing “readiness to support the Tunisian authorities in finding humanitarian solutions for the suffering of irregular migrants.”
It emphasized that Tunisia insists on dealing with the issue of irregular migration and its challenges within a collective and comprehensive approach, considering it a cross-border phenomenon. It called for avoiding distortions, feeding rumors, exploiting the situation of these displaced persons, victims of organized crime networks and human trafficking, for known purposes, and working to mobilize international efforts to confront these criminal organizations.
