**At Least 13 Tunisians Missing After Migrant Boat Sinks Off Tunisia**
*By Tarek Amara*
At least 13 individuals from Tunisia are currently unaccounted for following the sinking of a migrant boat off the Tunisian coast, which was en route to Italy. The incident occurred on Thursday, and two survivors were rescued, as reported by Mostafa Abdelkebir, the head of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights.
The boat embarked on its journey early Thursday morning. According to one of the survivors, who was rescued by a local fishing vessel, they had been stranded at sea for several hours after their boat capsized. The second survivor is reported to be in critical condition, highlighting the perilous nature of such maritime journeys.
The central Mediterranean route, which this boat was attempting to navigate, is recognized as one of the most dangerous migration paths globally. It is frequently used by migrants from various regions, including Africa and the Middle East, who seek to reach European shores. Unfortunately, many of these journeys are undertaken in overcrowded and often unseaworthy vessels, leading to tragic outcomes.
In recent years, Tunisia has experienced a significant decrease in the number of migrant departures, primarily due to increased maritime controls and a crackdown on illegal migration. These measures have been supported by European funding and advanced border-monitoring technologies, particularly from Italy.
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have expressed grave concerns regarding the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers in Tunisia. In a joint statement released last month, these groups criticized the EU-Tunisia migration deal, stating that it has contributed to the normalization of serious abuses against migrants. They have called for the European Union to suspend funding for migration and border-control activities involving Tunisian security forces, emphasizing the need for accountability and humane treatment of migrants.
The Tunisian government has not publicly responded to these allegations but has consistently stated that it is facing a significant influx of migrants. President Kais Saied has previously remarked that this influx is aimed at altering the demographic composition of the country, a claim that has sparked debate and concern among various stakeholders.
As the situation unfolds, the search for the missing individuals continues, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by migrants in the Mediterranean region and the complexities surrounding migration policies in Tunisia and Europe.