Twenty-two boats carrying more than 1,600 people, nearly all young Tunisian males, landed on the small Italian island of Lampedusa in the past 24 hours, bringing the number of Tunisians reaching Italy since mid-January to just over 10,000, the United Nations refugee agency reported Monday. The migration news comes unrelated to the violence occurring in neighboring Libya and rather the men are seeking better living conditions. “The outflow from Tunisia is unrelated to the ongoing crisis in Libya,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Melissa Fleming in Geneva, referring to the fighting under way between forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and political opponents seeking his ouster. “From our interactions with Tunisians arriving in Italy over past weeks, we believe that most are seeking employment and better economic opportunities, rather than international protection,” Fleming added. Departures are taking place from various locations along the Tunisian coastline. The UNHCR reported that its staff on Lampedusa are trying to help the Italian authorities deal with the situation. UN staff in Tunisia report that some villages appear largely empty of their young male population, with only women, children and elderly people remaining behind. Tunisia witnessed weeks of protests late last year and earlier this year that brought an end to former President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali in January after citizens flocked to the streets and eventually took over the capital Tunis. UNHCR didn't mention the fate of the Tunisians who arrived, but it is expected that many will be forced to return home. The UNHCR also called for dialogue between the concerned countries to bring proper arrangement to solve the situation “including arrangements for the orderly and dignified return of persons who are found not to be in need of international protection, and the establishment of opportunities for labor migration which can meet the needs of countries on both sides of the Mediterranean.” reporting by: Bikya Masr Staff and UNHCR
