Foreign
THE European Union’s ombudsman announced on Friday an inquiry into how the European Commission planned to uphold fundamental rights of migration under a controversial deal with Tunisia was underway.
In July, Brussels offered Tunis about 1 billion euros (1.07 billion dollars) worth of aid, partly aimed at combating irregular migration to the EU.
In spite of the allegations of human rights abuses by the Tunisian government, aid was offered.
The agreement, which has not yet been implemented, foresees 105 million euros for reinforcing border protection, training and technical support for Tunisian border guards, combating people smuggling, a statement said.
European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly informed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about the inquiry in a letter sent on Wednesday.
In the letter, O’Reilly asked whether the Commission had carried out a human rights impact assessment before signing the deal, whether a periodic review of the human rights impact was planned.
He also asked whether there were defined criteria for suspending funding if human rights were not respected, the statement said.
Tunisia is one of the most important transit countries for migrants on their way to Europe.
Tunisian President Kais Saied had announced a crackdown on migrants in February, accusing them of bringing violence and crime into the country.
Hostility and racist attacks had since increased.
The commission has three months to provide the information to the ombudsman. (dpa/NAN)
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-September. 15 2023 @ 12:59 GMT |
Tags: Emily O’Reilly European Union President Kais Saied Ursula von der Leyen
