Tunisia supports closure of refugee camp

The Tunisian government had reiterated that it would work with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to close the Shousha refugee camp in southeastern Tunisia. The state is planning to liaise with UNHCR officials to relocate those with refugee status, and provide others with residency permits. The camp, close to the Libyan border, was set up to accommodate refugees and displaced persons following the outbreak of violence in Libya in 2011. At its peak the refugee camp held several hundred thousand people. UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres said that around 500 Libyan refugees are refusing to evacuate the camp. About 20 refugees are waiting to be transported to the United States, while the rest turned down residency in urban areas of Tunisia, with 21 Palestinian demanding the right for asylum in a western country. The Tunisian government promised to make the necessary arrangements for the transportation of refugees to professional training and employment centres, putting them on special training programmes in addition to providing them with temporary work permits to facilitate their integration within the Tunisian society. A ministerial committee was set up to discuss situation of the remaining refugees on the Tunisian territory. The committee also endorsed residential accommodation for children and minors. The government said it would try and raise awareness about the living conditions, to protect the rights of those living in Shousha camp.