The migrants allegedly abandoned in a desert on the Tunisian-Libyan border have now been rescued. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 191 people received food, clothing and temporary housing.
Some migrants were taken by border guards to the nearby village of Al-Assah in northern Libya, sources said. Two men from Nigeria say in a video that they were beaten by the Tunisian army and taken to a desert area with others. They then wanted to make their way to Libya.
Another man stated that the army took their passports and then burned the documents. He was put in a vehicle with 35 other people and taken to the Libyan border. The group spent two days in the desert.
exposed to children and pregnant women
The human rights organization Human Rights Watch spoke of hundreds of migrants and asylum seekers who were collectively deported towards the border. This should also include children and pregnant women. Those affected are said to have received little food and no medical care, and the security forces also destroyed their mobile phones. Violence and sexual assault were also reported.
Tunisia and Libya are among the main transit countries for migrants in North Africa on their way to Europe. Hostilities and intimidation against people from sub-Saharan Africa have increased in recent months. Tunisian President Kais Saied had spoken of “hordes of irregular migrants” and accused them of “violence, crime and unacceptable behavior”.
Meanwhile, the European Commission wants to expand cooperation with the Tunisian government on migration. On Sunday it was announced that a letter of intent had been signed. The European Commission is planning around €100 million for search and rescue operations and the repatriation of migrants. In total, the EU should give Tunisia up to 900 million euros.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
