EU-funded forces in Tunisia accused of abuse against migrants

In recent months, a Guardian investigation has revealed alarming abuses against sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia, particularly by the national guard. Reports indicate that hundreds of women have been subjected to rape and violence, with testimonies suggesting that nine out of ten African female migrants arrested in Sfax have experienced sexual violence or torture. The situation has been exacerbated by the EU's financial support for Tunisian security forces, which has led to a significant reduction in migrant crossings to Italy, but at a grave humanitarian cost. Migrants are often detained and forcibly taken to the desert, where they are abandoned without resources. Many have reported severe beatings and theft of their belongings by the national guard, who are also implicated in organizing illegal boat crossings. The UN's International Organisation for Migration has raised concerns about the lack of updated data on migrant deaths, indicating that many are unaccounted for. The Tunisian city of Sfax has become a focal point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, with the national guard's actions contributing to a dangerous environment. Eyewitness accounts describe horrific conditions, including pregnant women being beaten and left to die. The local human rights league has highlighted the dire situation, noting that the number of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean has increased despite the risks. The EU's engagement in Tunisia aims to tackle smuggling networks, but the reported abuses raise serious ethical questions about the consequences of such partnerships. As the situation unfolds, the plight of migrants continues to deteriorate, prompting calls for urgent intervention and accountability from international bodies.