Families of jailed Tunisians to submit ICC complaint over migrant abuse allegations

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Relatives of jailed Tunisian opposition figures are preparing to submit a request to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged human rights violations against migrants and refugees in Tunisia. This action follows recent reports highlighting abuses faced by Black migrants in the country, including instances of sexual violence by security forces.

Rodney Dixon KC, the lawyer leading the case, stated that the ICC possesses the jurisdiction to investigate these allegations and should act decisively to protect vulnerable individuals. This move comes after an investigation revealed abuses reportedly committed by European Union-funded security forces.

The treatment of sub-Saharan African migrants in Tunisia has faced increasing scrutiny, particularly following a €100 million ($112 million) agreement with the EU in July 2023 aimed at curbing undocumented migration. In that same month, Tunisian authorities allegedly rounded up numerous Black migrants and refugees, abandoning them in the Libyan and Algerian deserts without basic necessities, resulting in multiple deaths.

Tunisian authorities have denied these allegations, asserting that their security personnel act professionally and adhere to international standards.

These developments add to the challenges faced by President Kais Saied's government, which has faced criticism for its treatment of dissent and restrictions on political freedoms since the dissolution of parliament in 2022.