4th of February | European Parliament, Brussels 

Tuesday 4th | 09:30 – 13:00h | SPINELLI 1G2

Register here

This event will shed light on the troubling realities of EU border externalisation in Tunisia and Libya, focusing on its devastating impact on Black people on the move.

A ground-breaking report—based on extensive on-the-ground investigations by an international network of researchers—will be presented, exposing systemic racism and severe human rights violations. Additionally, first-hand testimonies will provide critical insights into the lived realities of those directly affected.

We will also hear from activists and NGOs who have long been denouncing the situation and building resistance along the Central Mediterranean route. ce.

Interpretation: French, English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and German.


PROGRAMME

The event will feature two key panels:

09.30 Opening of the Event

by Ilaria Salis, Member of the European Parliament, The Left

PANEL I

The first panel will begin with the presentation of the report, providing an overview of its key findings. It will put at the core of this presentation voices of witnesses of this violence in between Tunisia and Libya.

09.45-11.15: Black People on the Move in between Tunisia, Libya and Fortress Europe

Moderation: Isa Serra, Member of the European Parliament, The Left

Speakers:

  • RXX Researchers X is an international research group of sociologists and anthropologists that has decided to remain anonymous and go by a collective pseudonym
  • Two Witnesses of the report (in presence)
  • Franck Yotedje
    Executive Director of Afrique Intelligence in Tunisia, specialist in migration issues, human trafficking, and smuggling in the Maghreb. A human rights activist committed to defending the rights of migrants in Tunisia and combating racial discrimination.
  • Landry (remote connection to Libya)
  • Christian Kwongang
    Human Rights Defender, SG MigRight, CEO MigRadio, ex-President of the Association of African Students and Stagiaires in Tunisia- AESAT

Q&A/Open Discussion

11.15-11.30 Coffee Break

PANEL II

The second panel will focus on amplifying voices of activists and NGOs that have been fighting to address the situation along the Central Mediterranean route. It will include a discussion among local actors, fostering dialogue on their perspectives and experiences. The panel will also explore the difficulties and challenges faced in addressing these critical issues.

11.30-12.45: Solidarity and resistance along the Central Mediterranean Route

Moderation: Pernando Barrena, Member of the European Parliament, The Left

Speakers:

● Georges Kouagang

Political refugee and editor of the Routes Journal, a newsroom, within the so-called underground railroad, composed by artists, activists, researchers, refugees and people who have crossed the Mediterranean.

Majdi Karbai Political activist and former Tunisian MP currently exiled in Italy. In Italy and Europe, he is engaged in political activism, focusing particularly on migration issues and the situation of migrants in Tunisia.

David Yambio Community advocate, human rights defender and spokesperson of Refugees in Libya.

Q&A/Open Discussion

12.45 Closing of the event by Damien Carême, & Estrella Galán, Members of European Parliament, The Left