“Collective evacuation is prohibited under international law,” UN experts warned in a statement.
They stress that it is prohibited under international human rights law to deport migrants, refugees and asylum seekers without vetting the individual and risking the potential human rights violations they may face upon return.
Women and children were taken away
Experts wrote to the Tunisian Government in March to express their concerns.
“We call on the authorities to immediately stop any further departures and to continue and expand humanitarian access to the dangerous area on the Tunisian-Libyan border where many, including pregnant women and children, have already been displaced,” UN experts said.
They emphasize that international human rights law supports a policy of non-reparation, or not sending people back to countries where they are likely to suffer torture or other harm, which applies to all forms of abandonment, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
Stop hating words
“We are also very concerned about the news of racist hate speech in the country, and the news of violence against immigrants in Sfax, including that committed by legal agents,” the experts said.
“Racist hate speech that is preparation for prejudice has real consequences, including violence,” they emphasized.
The experts called on the Tunisian Government to take immediate steps to end racism and protect sub-Saharan migrants from violence. They also urged the Government to investigate reported acts of violence and ensure access to justice and reparations for victims.
The experts who issued the statement were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
They are not UN staff and are not paid for their work.
