Tunisia — humanitarian situation

Tunisia has experienced a severe wildfire season since June 2026, with the crisis escalating sharply from 25 July onward as multiple simultaneous fires spread across several governorates IFRC. Temperatures reached nearly 50°C in Kairouan, Jendouba, Gabès, Tozeur, and Béja, with hot, dry desert winds fueling rapid fire spread through forested and agricultural areas, particularly affecting Bizerte and other governorates IFRC. This wildfire emergency follows devastating flooding in January 2026, when exceptionally heavy rainfall triggered widespread flash floods and river overflows, with precipitation levels reaching records not seen since the 1950s IFRC. The flooding on 19-20 January overwhelmed drainage systems and caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure across large parts of the country. Tunisia continues to host a population of registered refugees and asylum-seekers primarily from Sudan, Syria, Somalia, and various West, Central, and East African countries, many of whom have fled conflict and persecution UNHCR. The majority of refugees and migrants cite economic reasons (76%) for traveling to Tunisia, though conflict or insecurity (62%) are also commonly reported drivers, particularly among Nigerian and Ethiopian populations MMC. However, since 2023, Tunisian authorities have systematically excluded refugees and asylum-seekers from protection through racist and xenophobic policies, particularly targeting Black individuals (Amnesty International). Authorities have dismantled crucial safeguards, eliminated access to asylum procedures, conducted unlawful collective expulsions and forced returns, and repressed civil society organizations assisting vulnerable populations. Among the refugee population are particularly vulnerable individuals including torture victims, survivors of gender-based violence, and people with serious medical or psychological needs UNHCR. Between April and June 2026, 8,271 refugees and migrants arrived in Italy by sea, with Bangladesh, Algeria, Sudan, and Somalia as the most frequently reported countries of origin and children accounting for 21% of arrivals UNHCR. Recorded deaths and disappearances on the Central Mediterranean Route increased by 57% compared to the same period in 2025, despite a 52% decline in sea arrivals to Italy, indicating that lower arrival figures do not reflect fewer departure attempts MMC.