On November 29, 2024, Tunisia's crackdown on organizations supporting migrants has raised significant concerns regarding human rights violations. The arrest of activist Abdullah Al-Said and four others from the Children of the Moon Association reflects ongoing scrutiny of civil society groups aiding migrants.
Al-Said, a doctor from Chad who became a Tunisian citizen in 2012, founded the association to support children of migrants and those stranded in the region. His arrest follows President Kais Saied's February 2023 speech alleging a "conspiracy" related to increased migration into Tunisia.
Investigations focus on the funding sources of the association, paralleling previous actions against similar organizations. The "Follow-up Committee Against Criminalizing Solidarity" condemned the arrests, asserting they are part of a broader strategy to criminalize assistance to migrants.
Charges against the activists include money laundering and conspiracy against national security, yet no formal accusations have been substantiated. Alongside Al-Said, other prominent activists remain detained without clear charges.
Ramadan Ben Omar, a member of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, criticized the government's narrative, which he claims serves to justify the crackdown while portraying a cooperative stance with civil society. He noted that the arrests align with a systematic effort to suppress support for migrants amidst rising tensions in cities like Sfax, a key departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Political responses have emerged, including calls from local parliament members to amend citizenship laws in light of increasing births among migrant populations. However, activists like Imad Sultani from the "Land for All" Association continue to advocate for migrant rights despite government pressure.
The situation underscores the impact of European Union policies, which have led to increased scrutiny and restrictions on humanitarian efforts in Tunisia, raising alarms about the potential for further human rights abuses against vulnerable migrant populations.