EU withholding release of Tunisia’s human rights assessment

The European Commission, after conducting a human rights inquiry in Tunisia before signing a contentious migration deal with the increasingly authoritarian government, is refusing to release the findings, according to the EU ombudsman, as reported by The Guardian.

Despite multiple reports of abuse against sub-Saharan migrants by Tunisian security officers, European lawmakers had previously argued there was no need to conduct a human rights impact assessment (HRIA) related to the migration deal. However, a report released by the ombudsman on Wednesday revealed that the Commission had indeed carried out a risk management review, which is less transparent than an HRIA, before the deal was signed but it is choosing not to disclose its findings.

The migration pact, valued at $161 million, was unveiled in July 2023. It provides Tunisia with development and security funds to help control migration across the Mediterranean, preventing migrants from reaching Europe.

A recent investigation by The Guardian uncovered allegations that EU-funded Tunisian national guard officers were involved in sexual violence against migrant women and the abuse of migrant children. These accusations have been forwarded to the International Criminal Court, and opposition figures within Tunisia are calling for an inquiry into the matter.

Emily O’Reilly, the EU ombudsman, criticized the European Union for lacking transparency about what it knew before finalizing the deal. She also reproached EU leaders for failing to conduct an official HRIA, a process usually mandated to be public. O’Reilly emphasized the need for mechanisms to reclaim funds in cases where human rights abuses are found.

In response, a European Commission spokesperson affirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that it has taken note of the ombudsman’s recommendations for improvement.