By- Radio ML
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad reiterated Tunisia's commitment to taking humanitarian measures to protect the rights of irregular migrants from criminal human trafficking networks exploiting their vulnerable situations. The ministry reaffirmed Tunisia's steadfast adherence to humanitarian principles and its full respect for international conventions guaranteeing human rights and dignity in a statement issued on Friday, in light of the continued spread of malicious claims and the circulation of false and misleading news that does not reflect the true Tunisian stance on migration and irregular migrants.
The ministry indicated that Tunisia recognizes the complex issues associated with irregular migration and adopts a balanced approach that combines the duty of protecting its borders and enforcing the rule of law while respecting its international commitments. It emphasized that a fair and comprehensive approach to this phenomenon requires addressing its root causes and not relying solely on security solutions by enhancing cooperation with all regional and international partners and working collaboratively to implement sustainable development approaches that can provide real alternatives to irregular migration.
The ministry reminded that Tunisia seeks to ensure the voluntary return of irregular migrants to their countries in dignified conditions and calls for securing their reintegration opportunities in their original communities while respecting their rights, in cooperation and coordination with specialized international and regional organizations. Tunisia continues its relentless efforts to combat human trafficking networks that exploit the conditions of irregular migrants on dangerous journeys, highlighting the efforts of security and judicial authorities in enhancing prevention, prosecution, and accountability mechanisms to dismantle these networks and prosecute those involved, in line with the law and Tunisia's international commitments in combating all forms of organized crime.
In the same statement, Tunisia reiterated its firm rejection of all forms of discrimination and hate speech and the exploitation of the suffering of irregular migrants for narrow interests and goals. It affirmed that while adhering to the sovereignty of the Tunisian state and enforcing the rule of law, it is also committed to treating these migrants with humanitarian values, recognizing them as victims of these widespread criminal networks in sub-Saharan Africa and the northern Mediterranean.