Interior Minister Kamel Feki discussed the issue of African migrants in Tunisia during a meeting on Friday with the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Tunisia, Monica Noro.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of the Interior, the Minister stressed the need to ensure the closest possible coordination between the UN structures in Tunisia and the official bodies of the Tunisian state.

According to the same source, this coordination will focus on two key issues: migration and human rights.

In this context, Minister Feki reiterated Tunisia's commitment to the implementation of national legislation in full respect of human rights principles and international covenants. He invited the UN official "to consult with the Tunisian State before taking any position or action, given that Tunisia is a country that enjoys its full rights as a full member of the UN".

The Interior Minister also referred to the "laudable traditions of the Tunisian state, government and people in terms of humanitarian assistance". In this regard, he welcomed the efforts of the security forces in rescue operations and in the treatment of irregular migrants.

In this regard, the Minister of the Interior warmly welcomed the work carried out on the ground by the Tunisian Red Crescent, which he described as an organisation worthy of the support and assistance of international organisations specialising in migration issues.

During the meeting, the two parties discussed the relations of cooperation and partnership between the UN Office in Tunis and the institutions of the Ministry of the Interior involved in these issues, reaffirming the need to develop them in areas of common interest.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse