EU prepares to impose human rights conditions on Tunisia migrant deal amid abuse allegations

The European Commission is planning significant changes to its controversial migrant deal with Tunisia, following widespread reports of human rights violations, according to The Guardian.

The agreement, signed in 2023, allocated hundreds of millions of euros to Tunisia for development projects and assistance in curbing irregular migration and human trafficking. However, human rights organizations have since accused the EU of turning a blind eye to allegations of abuse against migrants in Tunisia.

An investigation by The Guardian revealed that EU-funded Tunisian coast guard officials have allegedly raped hundreds of migrants, beaten children, and colluded with human smugglers. A report from the EU Ombudsman also criticized the bloc for its lack of transparency regarding Tunisia’s human rights record.

In response, European officials are drafting “concrete” conditions to ensure future payments to Tunisia are contingent on adherence to human rights standards. These new conditions, expected to affect tens of millions of euros in payments over the next three years, aim to hold Tunisia accountable for its treatment of migrants.

A European Commission spokesperson described the revisions as a “re-dynamisation” of the EU-Tunisia relationship. The spokesperson added that new subcommittees would be established in the coming months to ensure that human rights concerns are prioritized in all dealings with Tunisia through 2027.

Human rights advocates believe this shift could prompt similar changes in other EU migration agreements. Concerns have already been raised about human rights conditions in agreements with Egypt and Mauritania, as well as plans to increase funding to countries like Morocco.