Migration crisis - Tunisia

Illegal migration from Tunisia has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with the country being a transit point for migrants seeking to reach Europe. The issue has been complicated by the rise of xenophobia and discrimination towards Black African migrants in Tunisia, fueled by incendiary speeches by President Kais Saied. The situation has made Black African migrants in Tunisia vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, and they face difficulties accessing basic services, including healthcare, education, and social services, especially if they are undocumented or irregular.

The boats used by migrants to cross the Mediterranean Sea are often unseaworthy and overcrowded, making them prone to sinking, particularly in stormy conditions. Criminal gangs control the people smuggling trade along Tunisia's coast, and they often cram migrants into overcrowded boats to make the treacherous voyage across the Mediterranean. The situation has made it necessary for Tunisia to comply with international standards and ensure the safety and well-being of migrants. 

I discuss the issue with my Bots - Google Bard and Perplexity. In this discussion, we will explore the challenges of illegal migration from Tunisia, the risks involved, and the measures that can be taken to address the situation.

What is the current state of the migrant crisis in Tunis and the so-called Central-Mediterranean route?

[Perplexity] The migrant crisis in Tunisia and the Central-Mediterranean route is ongoing and continues to be a major issue. Here are some key points to start with:

• Tunisia: Tunisia has traditionally been used as a transit route by migrants, but recent flares in conflicts and growing insecurity have led to rising hostilities [1]. Since the end of last year, Tunisia has become the main country of embarkation for migrants travelling to Europe [1]. The crisis has accelerated criticism of Tunisia and the European Union for their harsh treatment of migrants along the route from Africa to Europe [2]. Tunisia has pushed African migrants to scorching no-man's lands along its borders with little food and water [5].
• Central-Mediterranean route: Migrant arrivals by sea continue to soar in Italy, with almost 49,000 from January to May 2023[1]. Most of those travelling across the central Mediterranean route come from sub-Saharan countries and are leaving from Tunisia [1]. The crisis has resulted in many deaths, with more than 22,000 people having died or gone missing in its waters since 2014 [3]. The UN Human Rights Chief has expressed alarm at the precarious situation of asylum-seekers and migrants attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean, and called for concerted efforts to ensure their swift rescue, and dignified, effective and thorough processing at a safe location[6]. 
• EU-Tunisia deal: [4]The EU and Italy have reacted to the crisis by giving Tunisia more support and signing a deal to crack down on illegal migration [1]. However, the deal has been criticized for its harsh treatment of migrants [2]. 

In summary, the migrant crisis in Tunisia and the Central-Mediterranean route is ongoing and continues to be a major issue, with many deaths and harsh treatment of migrants. The EU and Italy have signed a deal with Tunisia to crack down on illegal migration, but the deal has been criticized for its harsh treatment of migrants.

[Google Bard] The migrant crisis in Tunis and the Central-Mediterranean route is a humanitarian crisis that is ongoing and getting worse. In recent months, there has been a sharp increase in the number of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Tunisia to Italy. This is due to a number of factors, including:

• The political instability in Tunisia following the 2021 coup d'état.
• The economic crisis in Tunisia, which has led to high levels of unemployment and poverty.
• The lack of opportunities for young people in Tunisia.
• The perception that Europe is a land of opportunity.

As a result of these factors, thousands of migrants are setting off from Tunisia in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats. Many of these boats capsize or sink, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people. In the first quarter of 2023, more than 400 migrants died trying to cross the Mediterranean from Tunisia.

How has the Tunisian government responded to the migrant crisis?

[Google Bard] The Tunisian government has responded to the migrant crisis with a combination of measures, including:

• Crackdowns on illegal migration. Tunisian authorities have stepped up arrests and deportations of migrants who are in the country illegally. In February 2023, President Kais Saied ordered security forces to stop all illegal migration and expel those without documents. This has led to a wave of fear and intimidation among sub-Saharan Africans and Black Tunisians.
• Expulsions of migrants to remote border areas. Tunisian authorities have also expelled migrants to remote border areas, such as the border with Libya. These areas are often dangerous and uninhabitable, and migrants have been left to fend for themselves.
• Refusal to accept refugees. Tunisia has refused to accept refugees from conflict zones in Africa, such as Libya and Mali. This has left many refugees stranded in Tunisia, with no legal status and no access to basic services.

These measures have been criticized by human rights groups, who say that they violate the human rights of migrants and refugees. The Tunisian government has defended its actions, saying that it is necessary to protect its borders and to deter illegal migration.

In addition to these measures, the Tunisian government has also taken some steps to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and insecurity in Africa. For example, Tunisia has provided financial assistance to countries in the Sahel region to help them improve security and economic opportunities.

The Tunisian government's response to the migrant crisis is a complex issue with no easy solutions. The government is under pressure from both the European Union and human rights groups to find a way to balance the need to control its borders with the need to protect the rights of migrants and refugees.

[Perplexity] The situation of migrants in Tunisia is complex and multifaceted. Tunisia is a transit country for migrants, with some migrants staying in Tunisia temporarily and others using it as a stepping stone to reach Europe [1]. The number of migrants currently living in Tunisia varies depending on the source. According to a recent study, there are around 58,000 immigrants in Tunisia, with approximately 21,000 of them being documented migrants from sub-Saharan Africa [1]. Additionally, over 9,000 refugees and asylum-seekers are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Tunisia, mainly originating from the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, and Africa's horn [2][4].

Migrants in Tunisia face various challenges, including:

1. Legal Status: Many migrants in Tunisia are undocumented or irregular, which can make them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse [1].
2. Discrimination and Xenophobia: There have been reports of racist and xenophobic attitudes towards Black African migrants in Tunisia, with instances of abuse and mistreatment by authorities [6].
3. Lack of Access to Basic Services: Migrants, especially those who are undocumented, may face difficulties accessing healthcare, education, and social services [1].
4. Humanitarian Needs: Some migrants, particularly refugees and asylum-seekers, may have urgent humanitarian needs, including shelter, food, and medical assistance [2][3].
5. Dangerous Journeys: Migrants attempting to reach Europe from Tunisia often face perilous journeys, including crossing the Mediterranean Sea in overcrowded and unsafe boats [5].

It is important to note that Tunisia has been working with international organizations such as the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to address the challenges faced by migrants. These organizations provide assistance, protection, and support to migrants in Tunisia, including registration, documentation, and access to essential services [4]. However, more efforts are needed to ensure the rights and well-being of migrants in Tunisia.

Discrimination and Xenophobia?

[Perplexity] According to various reports, there have been instances of discrimination and xenophobia towards Black African migrants in Tunisia. These migrants have been subjected to abuse and mistreatment by authorities, which has fueled racist and xenophobic attitudes towards them [1][2]. In addition, there have been reports of landlords evicting migrants from their homes, mobs stealing their savings, and destroying their belongings [3]. Black Africans have also been sacked by their employers or detained after ethnically profiling ID checks by security forces [3]. The situation has been exacerbated by toxic social media posts, which have contributed to the rise of racist violence against sub-Saharan migrants [3].

The anti-African migrant comments by Tunisian President Kais Saied have also contributed to the rise of xenophobia and discrimination towards Black African migrants in Tunisia [3][6]. The African Union and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights have condemned these comments and called for an end to all forms of racial discrimination and racist violence [3].

The discrimination and xenophobia towards Black African migrants in Tunisia have made them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. They face difficulties accessing basic services, including healthcare, education, and social services, especially if they are undocumented or irregular [1]. The situation has been further complicated by the dangerous journeys that migrants undertake to reach Europe, including crossing the Mediterranean Sea in overcrowded and unsafe boats [5].

It is important to note that international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and IOM are working with Tunisia to address the challenges faced by migrants. These organizations provide assistance, protection, and support to migrants in Tunisia, including registration, documentation, and access to essential services [4]. However, more efforts are needed to ensure the rights and well-being of migrants in Tunisia, particularly Black African migrants who face discrimination and xenophobia.

Please explain a bit more about the comments by Tunisian President Kais Saied in February 2023.

[Perplexity] On February 21, 2023, Tunisian President Kais Saied made a speech in which he referred to "hordes of irregular migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa" who had come to Tunisia, bringing with them "violence, crime, and unacceptable practices"[1][4]. He went on to say that this was part of a criminal plan designed to "change the demographic make-up" of Tunisia and turn it into "just another African country that doesn't belong to the Arab and Islamic nations anymore" [1]. These comments were widely criticized by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, who condemned them as racist and xenophobic [1][5]. The African Union also condemned President Saied's speech, warning against what it described as "racialized hate speech" [6].

President Saied's speech incited a wave of violence against Black African migrants in Tunisia, with reports of racist and xenophobic attitudes towards them [1][5]. The migrants have been subjected to abuse and mistreatment by authorities, and there have been instances of landlords evicting migrants from their homes, mobs stealing their savings, and destroying their belongings [1][3]. The situation has made Black African migrants in Tunisia vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, and they face difficulties accessing basic services, including healthcare, education, and social services, especially if they are undocumented or irregular [1].

In response to the criticism, President Saied attempted to mitigate the harm caused by his speech by announcing measures on March 5, 2023, to end the surge in violent assaults, robberies, and vandalism by Tunisian citizens against Black African migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in Tunisia [5]. However, human rights organizations have argued that these measures fall far short of the steps needed to address the situation and ensure the rights and well-being of migrants in Tunisia [5].

Please explain a bit about how people try to cross in boats to Europe.

[Perplexity] Migrants from Tunisia and other countries in North Africa often attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea in boats to reach Europe. These journeys are often perilous and risky, with many migrants losing their lives in the process[1][3]. The boats used by migrants are often makeshift and unseaworthy, and they are frequently overloaded with people, making them prone to sinking, particularly in stormy conditions [2]. Criminal gangs control the people smuggling trade along Tunisia's coast, and they often cram migrants into overcrowded boats to make the treacherous voyage across the Mediterranean [3]. The boats are often referred to as "boats of death" due to the high number of fatalities associated with them [3].

[Google Bard] People who try to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe in boats often use small, overcrowded, and unseaworthy vessels and they are not designed for long journeys or rough seas.

The procedures for crossing the Mediterranean Sea in a boat vary depending on the route and the smugglers involved. However, in general, people who want to make the journey will contact a smuggler who will arrange for them to be taken to a departure point. The smuggler will then provide them with a boat and a crew. The journey typically takes several days and can be very dangerous.

The risks of crossing the Mediterranean Sea in a boat are high. People on these boats are at risk of drowning, being shipwrecked, and being subjected to violence, abuse, and exploitation by smugglers. In addition, the weather conditions in the Mediterranean Sea can be very unpredictable, making the journey even more dangerous.

Despite the risks, many people continue to attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea in boats in search of a better life in Europe. They are often fleeing conflict, poverty, and persecution in their home countries. They believe that Europe offers them a chance for a better future.

[Perplexity] Migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, who do not need a visa to travel to Tunisia, often use the country as a stepping stone to reach Europe [4]. Many of these migrants come from Libya, which shares a border with Tunisia [4]. The central Mediterranean is the deadliest migration route on the planet, with more than 24,000 people having gone missing on it since 2014 [3]. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the recent surge in migration is good news for the criminal gangs who control the people smuggling trade along Tunisia's coast [3].

The Tunisian authorities have been working to stop the flow of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean, with the National Guard vessels combing the waters each night [4]. However, the situation remains complex, and more efforts are needed to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety and well-being of migrants [3].

How many migrants have crossed the sea in recent years? What are the main reasons for this increase in migration? 

[Google Bard] The number of migrants crossing the sea in recent years has increased significantly. In 2015, more than a million migrants crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Europe, making it the deadliest year on record for migrants crossing the sea. The number of migrants crossing the sea has decreased since then, but it is still much higher than it was before 2015.

There are a number of reasons for this increase in migration. One reason is the political instability in many countries in Africa and the Middle East. In countries like Libya, Yemen, and Syria, there is ongoing conflict and violence, which has forced millions of people to flee their homes. Another reason for the increase in migration is the economic crisis in many countries in Africa. In countries like Tunisia and Ghana, there is high unemployment and poverty, which has made it difficult for people to find jobs and support their families.

The perception that Europe is a land of opportunity is also a factor in the increase in migration. Many migrants believe that if they can reach Europe, they will be able to find a better life for themselves and their families. However, the reality is that many migrants who reach Europe face discrimination and exploitation. They often end up living in poverty and without access to basic services.

How many people have died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean since 2014?

[Perplexity] According to research, the number of people who have died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean since 2014 is over 20,000 [1][2][3][4][5]. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 441 migrant deaths were documented in the first quarter of 2023 alone, making it the deadliest first quarter on record since 2017 [2][3]. The true number of lives lost in the Central Mediterranean is likely higher than the documented number[2]. The Central Mediterranean route is considered among the deadliest migration routes in the world [4].

Please elaborate a little on the Missing Migrants and IOM's data

[Perplexity] The Missing Migrants Project is an initiative implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) since 2014 to document deaths and disappearances of migrants, including refugees and asylum-seekers, who have died or gone missing in the process of migration towards an international destination [1][2][3][4][5][6].

The data recorded by the project can be used to assess the risks of irregular migration and to design policies and programs to make migration safer [1]. The project gathers information from diverse sources such as official records, including from coast guards and medical examiners, and other sources such as media reports, NGOs, and surveys and interviews of migrants [5]. In the Mediterranean region, data are relayed from relevant national authorities to IOM field missions, who then share it with the Missing Migrants Project team [5].

The project counts migrants who have died at the external borders of states, or in the process of migration towards an international destination, regardless of their legal status[5]. The data on attempted crossings of the Mediterranean Sea can be downloaded from the project's website [3]. It is important to note that these data represent minimum estimates, as many deaths during migration go unrecorded [3].

The Missing Migrants Project data include the deaths of migrants who die in transportation accidents, shipwrecks, violent attacks, or due to medical complications [5]. The project records only those migrants who die during their journey to a country different from their country of residence [5]. The figures shown in the project's dataset represent incidents in which a person lost their life during migration to an international destination [6].

[Google Bard] The central Mediterranean route is used by people fleeing conflict and poverty in their countries via Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt. They often attempt to cross the sea in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats, making the journey extremely dangerous. In addition to the risk of drowning, people on these boats are also at risk of being subjected to violence, abuse, and exploitation.

The IOM has called for urgent action to address the crisis in the central Mediterranean. They have urged governments to increase search and rescue operations, to provide safe and legal pathways for migration, and to address the root causes of migration from the region. 

Here are some additional details about the deaths and disappearances in the central Mediterranean since 2014:

• The deadliest year on record was 2016, when 12,000 people died or went missing.
• The most common nationalities of the victims are Eritrean, Nigerian, and Somali.
• The majority of deaths occur in the summer months, when the sea is calmest.
• The vast majority of victims are men, but women and children are also at risk.
• The IOM estimates that for every person who dies or goes missing, there are many more who are injured or traumatized.

How do smugglers and traffickers facilitate the journey across the sea?

[Perplexity] Migrant smugglers and traffickers facilitate the journey across the sea in various ways. Here are some of the ways they operate:

1. Offering Solutions to Natural or Political Barriers: Smugglers offer solutions to natural or political barriers that are hard or impossible to master alone, like crossing the Mediterranean Sea, or accessing visas with fraudulent documents [1].
2. Exploiting Vulnerable People: Smugglers take advantage of people who need to escape natural disaster, conflict or persecution, poverty linked to these and similar conditions, destitution or lack or employment and education opportunities but do not have the options to migrate legally [3]. They exploit the migrants' needs, leading to instances of monetary exploitation, sexual abuse, and human trafficking [4].
3. Charging High Fees: Smugglers charge high fees for their services, which can range from $1,000 to $8,600 for a trip across the Mediterranean [5]. These fees are often beyond the means of many migrants, who may have to borrow money or sell their assets to pay for the journey[4].
4. Providing Unseaworthy Boats: Smugglers often provide unseaworthy boats that are overcrowded and prone to sinking, particularly in stormy conditions [2][4]. These boats are often referred to as "boats of death" due to the high number of fatalities associated with them [3].
5. Using Dangerous Tactics: Smugglers use increasingly dangerous tactics to cross the sea, including cramming migrants into overcrowded boats, using fake documents, and evading detection by authorities [2]. They often operate in an environment that is often lawless and unregulated, making it difficult for authorities to track them down [1].
6. Influencing Secondary Movements: The secondary movements of migrants upon arrival in Europe are heavily influenced by people smugglers [5]. Smugglers often provide guidance on how to avoid detection by authorities and how to reach their final destination [5].

The risks associated with these journeys are high, with many migrants losing their lives in the process. The boats used by migrants are often unseaworthy and overcrowded, making them prone to sinking, particularly in stormy conditions [2]. Criminal gangs control the people smuggling trade along Tunisia's coast, and they often cram migrants into overcrowded boats to make the treacherous voyage across the Mediterranean [3]. The situation has made Black African migrants in Tunisia vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, and they face difficulties accessing basic services, including healthcare, education, and social services, especially if they are undocumented or irregular[1].

What about the right to asylum for sub-Saharan Africans in Tunisia?

[Google Bard] Tunisia is a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which guarantee the right to asylum to people fleeing persecution in their home countries. However, Tunisia has a complex and often contradictory asylum system that makes it difficult for sub-Saharan Africans to access protection.

In theory, sub-Saharan Africans who arrive in Tunisia and claim asylum are entitled to a fair and impartial assessment of their claims. However, in practice, many asylum seekers face significant obstacles to accessing protection.  As a result of these obstacles, many sub-Saharan Africans who arrive in Tunisia are denied asylum and are forced to return to their home countries, where they may face persecution.

The right to asylum is a fundamental human right that should be guaranteed to everyone, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. Tunisia has a responsibility to ensure that sub-Saharan Africans who arrive in the country and claim asylum are able to access protection.

[Perplexity] Indeed. Although Tunisia is a party to the UN and African refugee conventions, and its Constitution provides for the right to political asylum [2], the reality on the ground is different, with reports of abuses against sub-Saharan African migrants by Tunisian authorities [1]. The situation has made it difficult for Black African migrants to access the right to asylum in Tunisia, with many facing discrimination and xenophobia [2][5]. Human Rights Watch has urged Tunisia's government to "halt collective expulsions and urgently enable humanitarian access to the African migrants" [3]. The Tunisian authorities have been accused of forcibly returning people fleeing by boat [4]. The situation has made it necessary for Tunisia to comply with international standards and ensure the safety and well-being of migrants, including the right to asylum [1][3].

Would Kais Saied or the Tunisian government be criminally liable?

[Perplexity] The recent surge in illegal migration from Tunisia has raised questions about the criminal liability of President Kais Saied and the Tunisian government. President Saied's incendiary speeches have fueled xenophobia and discrimination towards Black African migrants in Tunisia, leading to instances of abuse and mistreatment by authorities [1][2][5][6].

The situation has made it difficult for Black African migrants to access the right to asylum in Tunisia, with many facing discrimination and xenophobia [2][5]. Human Rights Watch has urged Tunisia's government to "halt collective expulsions and urgently enable humanitarian access to the African migrants" [3].

The Tunisian authorities have been accused of forcibly returning people fleeing by boat [4]. The situation has made it necessary for Tunisia to comply with international standards and ensure the safety and well-being of migrants, including the right to asylum [1][3]. In this context, the question of criminal liability arises, and it is essential to explore the legal implications of the actions of President Saied and the Tunisian government.

[Google Bard] Whether Kais Saied or the Tunisian government would be criminally liable for their treatment of sub-Saharan Africans is a complex question that depends on a number of factors, including the specific laws that have been violated, the evidence that is available, and the willingness of the Tunisian authorities to prosecute.

There is no doubt that Saied's statements about sub-Saharan Africans have been discriminatory and have contributed to a climate of xenophobia in Tunisia. His comments have also been condemned by human rights groups and the United Nations. However, it is not clear whether these statements would be considered criminal under Tunisian law.

The Tunisian constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, but this right is not absolute. It can be restricted in certain circumstances, such as when speech is considered to be defamatory, inciting violence, or threatening national security. It is possible that Saied's statements could be considered to fall into one of these categories, but this would ultimately be a matter for the courts to decide.

In addition to the legal considerations, it is also important to consider the political context in Tunisia. Saied is a popular figure who has been praised for his efforts to tackle corruption and reform the political system. It is possible that the Tunisian authorities would be reluctant to prosecute him, even if he has broken the law.

Ultimately, whether Saied or the Tunisian government would be criminally liable for their treatment of sub-Saharan Africans is a matter that will need to be decided by the courts. However, the fact that these questions are even being raised is a sign of the deep divisions that exist in Tunisian society. The country is facing a number of challenges, including economic hardship, political instability, and rising xenophobia. It is important that the Tunisian authorities take steps to address these challenges and to ensure that all Tunisians, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity, are treated with dignity and respect.

* COVER PHOTO: (c) Jihed Abidellaoui/Reuters : The EU-supported Tunisian Coast Guard stops asylum seekers and migrants off the coast of Sfax, Tunisia during their attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Italy on 27 April 2023.