More than 1,300 irregular migrants died or went missing while attempting to reach Europe from Tunisia in 2023, according to a Tunisian rights group. The Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights revealed this alarming figure during a press conference, highlighting that it was the highest number of deaths and disappearances ever recorded in Tunisia.
The migration expert at the Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights, Islem Ghaarbi, stated that approximately two-thirds of the victims were from sub-Saharan Africa. He further emphasized that this toll accounted for about half of the total deaths and missing individuals in the Mediterranean region throughout 2023. These distressing numbers shed light on the perilous journey undertaken by irregular migrants seeking better lives in Europe.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency, reported a 75-percent increase in deaths and disappearances in the central Mediterranean last year compared to 2022. The IOM documented a total of 2,498 fatalities or missing persons during attempts to cross this treacherous route. Tunisia and Libya serve as the main departure points for thousands of irregular migrants who risk their lives annually in pursuit of a brighter future in Europe.
In December, the World Organization Against Torture published a report exposing the harsh realities faced by migrants and refugees in Tunisia. The report highlighted the prevalence of “daily institutional violence,” including arbitrary arrests, forced displacements, and expulsions towards the borders with Libya and Algeria. These findings underscore the challenges and dangers faced by migrants even before embarking on their perilous sea journeys.
The number of sub-Saharan migrants departing from Tunisia surged following President Kais Saied’s statement last February, in which he referred to “hordes of illegal migrants” as a demographic threat to the country. This rhetoric likely contributed to an increase in departures as individuals sought to escape worsening conditions and seek better opportunities across the Mediterranean.
Recently, authorities in the coastal city of Monastir discovered the bodies of 13 Sudanese migrants who had departed from the port of Sfax. Tragically, an additional 27 individuals who had sailed with them remain missing. These incidents serve as a grim reminder of the risks faced by irregular migrants and the devastating consequences that can occur during their journeys.
Tunisia’s struggling economy has also played a significant role in driving migration. With the World Bank estimating a meager 1.2 percent growth in 2023 and unemployment rates at a staggering 38 percent, more Tunisians are compelled to seek better opportunities abroad. The combination of economic hardships and political instability has created a sense of desperation among many Tunisians, leading them to risk their lives in search of a more prosperous future.
The alarming number of deaths and disappearances among irregular migrants attempting to reach Europe from Tunisia highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this humanitarian crisis. It is crucial for governments, international organizations, and civil society to work together to tackle the root causes of migration, improve living conditions in countries of origin, and provide safer migration pathways.
In addition, efforts should be focused on enhancing search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean to prevent further loss of life. Strengthening cooperation between countries of origin, transit, and destination is essential to combat human trafficking networks and ensure the protection of migrants’ rights.
Ultimately, addressing the complex issue of irregular migration requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses economic development, political stability, and respect for human rights. Only through collective action can we strive towards a future where no individual is forced to risk their life in search of a better tomorrow.