Migrants pushed back into desert: Tunisia's admission and UNHCR's appeal

Tunisia's interior minister acknowledged that small groups of sub-Saharan migrants attempting to enter the country are pushed back into the desert border areas with Libya and Algeria, but dismissed allegations of mistreatment by the UN, humanitarian groups, and migrants themselves. While denying collective deportations, the minister admitted that small groups without papers are pushed back, with three migrant bodies found in the desert. Tunisia's eastern coast has become a major departure point for migrants heading to Europe, leading to tensions with the local population. The minister stated that 1,057 migrants had agreed to be voluntarily returned home, and there are currently around 80,000 undocumented migrants in Tunisia. President Kais Saied has fueled anti-migrant sentiment, claiming an organ trafficking business has emerged around migrants. The minister also dismissed claims of abuse by security officials, stating that migrants were manipulated for personal gain. The viral images and videos of migrants stranded between Tunisia and Libya have damaged Tunisia's reputation, leading to cancellations of concerts and entertainers donating their earnings to humanitarian organizations.