African migrants between life and death in Tunisia-Libya desert

Tunisia, a major route for migration to Europe, has come under scrutiny after the Libyan border guards told the media that, over the past two weeks, they have rescued hundreds of migrants who said they were left by Tunisian authorities in the border region near Al-Assah, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) west of Tripoli, with no food or water.

Following the death of a Tunisian man in a clash between locals and migrants, hundreds of migrants from sub-Saharan African countries have been driven out of the Tunisian port city of Sfax and dumped at the border with Algeria and Libya without food or water.

Sfax, Tunisia, is only about 130 kilometres from the Italian island of Lampedusa. The North African country is a gateway for migrants and asylum-seekers attempting perilous sea voyages in hopes of a better life in Europe.

According to a report published by Human Rights Watch, many asylum-seekers had been severely beaten, some had been tortured, and the women were subject to sexual violence.

Watch our explainer to learn more about African migrants who are between life and death in the Tunisia-Libya desert.

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