zeit.de
Water Scarcity and EU Migration Policy Exacerbate Hardships for African Migrants in Tunisia
Due to water scarcity and a 2021 EU agreement with Tunisia to curb migration, two Guinean migrants in Tunis face precarious work conditions at a car wash, earning only €4.20 for half a day's work with broken equipment, while thousands of other migrants struggle with joblessness, harsh conditions, and deportation.
- How does the EU's agreement with Tunisia to curb migration affect the daily lives and opportunities of sub-Saharan African migrants in the country?
- The struggles of Barry and Moriba exemplify the broader challenges faced by tens of thousands of sub-Saharan African migrants in Tunisia, who use the country as a transit point to Europe. A 2021 EU agreement with Tunisia to curb migration has led to increased crackdowns, forcing migrants into poorer areas and increasing their vulnerability. President Kais Saied's rhetoric further exacerbates their situation.
- What are the immediate economic and social consequences for African migrants in Tunisia due to increased migration control measures and water scarcity?
- In Tunis, water scarcity forces a car wash to operate with broken equipment, highlighting the difficult conditions faced by African migrants like Ahmed Barry and Ali Moriba, who earn about €4.20 for a half-day's work if the equipment isn't fixed. They share a two-room apartment with five others, facing precarious employment and uncertain futures.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of Tunisia's stricter migration policies on human rights, international relations, and the overall well-being of affected migrants?
- The situation in Tunisia reflects a growing trend of restrictive migration policies impacting vulnerable populations. The EU's financial support for border control, while reducing migrant arrivals in Italy, creates harsher realities for those stranded in Tunisia, pushing many to dangerous journeys or prompting voluntary repatriation. The long-term effects could include increased human rights violations and further displacement.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the plight of African migrants in Tunisia, highlighting their difficult living conditions and the risks they face. While this is a valid perspective, the chosen framing might unintentionally elicit sympathy for the migrants without fully acknowledging the challenges faced by the Tunisian government in managing migration flows and integrating migrants into society. The headline, while not explicitly stated, would likely emphasize the hardships of the migrants, thereby shaping the reader's perception.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, however, words like "struggles," "hardships," and "plight" repeatedly describe the migrants' experiences, creating a tone of sympathy that might overshadow more nuanced aspects of the situation. Using more neutral terms like "challenges," "difficulties," or "situations" could create a more objective narrative.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the struggles of migrants in Tunisia, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa, but omits perspectives from Tunisian citizens on the impact of migration on their communities and resources. While acknowledging the hardships faced by migrants, a balanced perspective incorporating the views of the host population would enrich the narrative. Additionally, the article doesn't detail the specifics of the EU agreement beyond its impact on migration control, neglecting potential economic or political aspects.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the migrants' desire for a better life in Europe and the Tunisian government's efforts to curb illegal immigration. The complexities of international migration, including economic factors driving migration and the diverse experiences of migrants themselves, are not fully explored. The narrative frames the situation as a straightforward conflict between migrants and authorities, overlooking the potential for collaboration or alternative solutions.
Gender Bias
The article mentions women migrants resorting to begging or selling tissues, highlighting their economic vulnerability. While this is not inherently biased, the article could benefit from a more balanced representation of gender roles among migrants. It would be beneficial to include examples of women migrants in other roles, showcasing their resilience and agency beyond their economic hardship.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the struggles of African migrants in Tunisia, facing unemployment, poverty, and inadequate living conditions. Many are forced into low-paying jobs or resort to begging to survive, indicating a lack of progress towards poverty eradication. The situation is exacerbated by restrictive migration policies and societal challenges.