In a recent statement, United Nations spokesperson Farhan Haq expressed grave concerns over the expulsion of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers from Tunisia towards the borders with Libya and Algeria.
According to Haq, numerous migrants have lost their lives on the borders with Libya, and reports indicate that hundreds, including pregnant women and children, remain stranded in harsh conditions with limited access to food and water.
The UN reiterates the urgent call made last week by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration to halt these expulsion operations immediately and to urgently transport those stranded along the borders to safe locations, where they can be provided with protection, sufficient water, food, shelter, and medical care.
Haq emphasizes the necessity to protect all migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers and treat them with dignity, respecting their human rights regardless of their status and in accordance with international human rights law and refugee law.
The Tunisian authorities deported hundreds of migrants to the borders with Libya and Algeria following violent clashes between migrants and Tunisian citizens in the city of Sfax.
