Tunisian and Libyan authorities recently held a crucial security meeting to address the congestion and operational difficulties at the Ras Jedir border crossing. The meeting aimed to provide effective solutions to the complications experienced by travellers utilizing this border crossing.
The assembly included a committee appointed by the Minister of Interior. Attendees included the Head of Criminal Investigation, the Security Director of Tripoli, the Security Director of Ras Jedir crossing, the Head of the Control Office within the Internal Security at the border crossing, and a representative from the Minister of Interior’s office. Tunisian representation included the Police Chief of Ras Jedir province, his assistant, and the Head of Inspection Office at the Tunisian Customs.
The meeting focused on discussing optimal working mechanisms, to address congestion at the crossing. The primary goal is to ensure the smooth flow of travellers and goods across the border.
These ongoing negotiations mark a significant stride in the collaborative efforts of both countries, in order to streamline border security operations and ensure efficient crossings.
Notably, Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General has called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to “intervene immediately to stop the expulsion of migrants and refugees from Tunisia to the borders with Libya and Algeria.”
He urged the two UN agencies to “collaborate to transfer those stranded at the borders to safe locations.”
During a press conference, Haq expressed the United Nations’ concern about the expulsion of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers from Tunisia, to the border areas. He added that many migrants stranded at the Tunisian-Libyan borders, who are of various nationalities, have lost their lives.
Haq also explained that “hundreds of stranded individuals, including women, pregnant women, and children, are living in extremely harsh conditions, and their chances of getting food and water are decreasing day by day.”
He called for the “protection of all migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and for them to be treated with dignity, emphasizing the need to respect them regardless of their situation.”
