TUNIS, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia affirms its categorical rejection of all forms of discrimination, hate speech and exploitation of the suffering of illegal immigrants, the country's Foreign Ministry said Friday.
"Recognizing the complexities of illegal immigration, Tunisia follows a balanced approach aiming at protecting its borders and enforcing the law while respecting international obligations," the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry emphasized that Tunisia takes humanitarian measures to protect migrants from human trafficking networks that exploit their vulnerable situations. It is committed to ensuring their voluntary return under dignified conditions and has been working with global organizations to facilitate their reintegration into their home communities while respecting their rights, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, Tunisia is intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking networks, and reinforcing legal measures to dismantle these organizations and hold those responsible accountable, it said.
Tunisia emphasizes the need for a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of migration rather than relying solely on security measures, it said.
"This requires stronger cooperation with regional and international partners and the implementation of sustainable development policies that offer viable alternatives to irregular migration," it said.
The ministry statement followed a report published in early January by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), the main coalition of international non-governmental organizations fighting against torture, summary executions, and enforced disappearances.
The report, based on OMCT's investigation made between May and October 2024, accused Tunisia of "violating numerous international human rights obligations," including rape, murder and other forms of ill-treatment against sub-Saharan migrants allegedly carried out by the Tunisian authorities during the period. ■
