EU expects Tunisia to investigate migrant rape allegations

The European Union (EU) said Tuesday it expects Tunisia to investigate allegations of police violence and sexual abuse against migrants, AFP reports. The allegations have intensifying scrutiny of a controversial EU-Tunisia migration deal. This agreement, aimed at curbing irregular migration, provides funds to Tunisia and other African nations to help prevent small-boat crossings to Europe. However, a recent Guardian report exposed widespread sexual violence by Tunisia’s national guard against migrant women.

A spokesman for the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, told reporters that EU funding is channeled through international organizations and NGOs, and denied directly financing Tunisia’s national guard, the group implicated in the abuses. Tunisia remains a key departure point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean, primarily to Italy. Rights groups, such as Human Rights Watch, have criticized the deal, documenting violence and mistreatment of migrants.

The EU ombudsman has launched an investigation into the agreement's human rights compliance, with findings expected soon.