EU Ignoring Tunisia’s Human Rights Crisis, Watchdog Warns

Human Rights Watch has urged the European Union to fundamentally review its approach to Tunisia, warning that the bloc is overlooking a rapid decline in human rights in the North African nation. In a joint letter signed by multiple civil society organizations, HRW argues that EU cooperation with Tunisia—including financial aid and migration deals—continues despite growing political repression. The letter points to the jailing of journalists, activists, and opposition figures, as well as the erosion of judicial independence under President Kais Saied. The organizations call on Brussels to link future funding and partnerships to concrete human rights benchmarks. They warn that without such conditions, the EU risks enabling the very authoritarian practices it claims to oppose. The appeal comes as Tunisia struggles with economic crisis and a surge in migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean, making it a key partner for EU border control efforts. Critics say this strategic priority has led Europe to downplay abuses.