Tunisia — humanitarian situation

Tunisia remains a significant destination and transit country for mixed migration flows in North Africa, with UNHCR registering 7,515 refugees and asylum-seekers as of April 2026, most originating from countries affected by armed conflict and widespread violence (UNHCR). This population includes individuals with critical protection needs, among them victims of torture, gender-based violence survivors, and unaccompanied children (UNHCR). The country continues to face multifaceted challenges related to onward movements toward Europe, with these journeys remaining high-risk and life-threatening (UNHCR). Regional migration dynamics show some moderation, as movements across Libya's borders—a key transit route—declined during the first quarter of 2026, with outflows falling by 17 percent due to seasonal factors, heightened security measures, and increased transportation costs (IOM). UNHCR has adapted its operations in response to evolving conditions, implementing activities both directly and through national partners to address protection needs (UNHCR). The organization has conducted assessments of labor mobility and skills profiles of refugees and asylum-seekers across Tunisia and neighboring North African countries to better understand integration opportunities and challenges facing displaced populations (UNHCR). The United Kingdom announced expanded funding of £9 million for North Africa programmes supporting people who have fled regional conflicts, aiming to help migrants rebuild their lives closer to home through local employment opportunities that also benefit host communities (UK Government). Beyond migration-related concerns, Tunisia faces potential agricultural threats from desert locust activity in the broader North African region. Hopper groups and bands have been detected in Morocco, with numerous immature adult groups forming, while adult groups have also been observed in Algeria (FAO). Seasonal precipitation forecasts indicate above-normal rainfall expected across northern Africa from July through December 2026 due to persisting El Niño conditions, which could create favorable breeding environments for locusts and affect agricultural production (FAO). Climate change, water scarcity, and broader regional challenges continue to threaten food security and livelihoods across North Africa, requiring sustained emergency preparedness and resilience-building efforts (FAO).