Crackdown on Migrants in Tunisia Leads to Humanitarian Crisis
In the last two weeks there have been several incidents of boats carrying migrants sinking in the Mediterranean Ocean. Those attempting to make their way to Europe are desperate and willing to risk everything as they embark on the perilous journey from North Africa. Tunisia has become the main departure point for Africans and Middle Easterners setting sail with the goal of making it to the Italian shore. The number of Tunisian migrants who have reached Italy has increased nearly ten-fold over the first three months of 2023 compared to the same time frame last year.
What is happening in Tunisia?
Instructors: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Download: CQP_Lecture_Spark_PPT_Crackdown on Migrants in Tunisia Leads to Humanitarian Crisis
Videos
News Articles
Dozens of migrants killed in latest boat disaster off Tunisia
FRANCE 24
March 26, 2023
At least 28 migrants die as boats sink off Tunisia
CNN
March 26, 2023
https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/26/world/migrants-die-boat-sinks-tunisia-intl-hnk/index.html
Italian authorities rescue 32 migrants stranded on remote island via helicopter
WION
April 4, 2023
Helicopter rescues migrants stranded on Italian isle
AP NEWS
April 3, 2023
Kais Saied: Why Tunisia’s president picked on sub-Saharan African migrants
BBC NEWS
March 13, 2023
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-64913796
Tunisia’s ‘hostile environment’ pushes migrants across Mediterranean
FINANCIAL TIMES
April 3, 2023
https://www.ft.com/content/c5304e43-785a-4fee-b9fa-115f8491c92f
US legislators voice concerns over Tunisia rights crackdown
ALJAZEERA
March 28, 2023
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/28/us-legislators-voice-concerns-over-tunisia-rights-crackdown
Why is Tunisia in crisis and why do sub-Saharan people want to leave?
THE GUARDIAN
March 30, 2023
Assessment
Writing: What is the significance of migrants coming to Europe from Tunisia?
Debate: What is the best way to address migrants crossing the Mediterranean?
Poll: Should the U.S. provide money to Tunisia considering President Saied’s actions?
Short Answer: What are the reasons migrants are risking their life to get to Europe?
News Quiz
True/False
The deadliest sea-crossing voyage for refugees in the world is from Tunisia to Italy. (T/F)
Morocco has become the main departure point for Africans and Middle Easterners setting sail with the goal of making it to Europe. (T/F)
The U.S. has provided over a billion dollars to Tunisia since 2011. (T/F)
Multiple Choice
The number of Tunisian migrants who have reached Italy has increased by nearly what percentage over the first three months of 2023 compared to the same time frame last year?
- Ten-fold.
- A quarter.
- A third.
- Half.
What percentage of Tunisia’s population is Black?
- 5-10%.
- 10-15%.
- 15-20%.
- 20-25%.
All the following factors explain why there has been an uptick in the number of migrants in Tunisia headed for Europe via the Mediterranean EXCEPT.
- Favorable weather patterns.
- Enhanced interception capabilities in Libya.
- The welcoming environment that awaits them.
- Xenophobic policies emanating from Tunisia.
