unemployed person , providing they do nonprofit or volunteer work while looking for jobs . Sources with the Union of Tunisian Workers said eight people were killed Wednesday in demonstrations in the towns of Dkash and Douz in the southern part of the country . The union says more than 50 people have died since the demonstrations erupted . Lofti al Ahwal , a member of the union , said the organization is waiting for further action by the government before determining its next step . The union rejects government claims that members of al Qaeda have infiltrated the rioters , he said . Al Ahwal said violence will be met with violence , and cautioned that shooting at demonstrators will escalate the situation . The union is unable to control the angry crowds , he acknowledged , and some of the actions and statements from enraged rioters do not comply with union policy . The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights , Navi Pillay , urged the Tunisian government in a statement `` to ensure that its security forces cease using excessive force against demonstrators , and to launch transparent and credible investigations into the deaths . '' While
Tunis , Tunisia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The number of people killed during riots in Tunisia recently is about 21 , the government said Wednesday , rejecting international media reports that the figure is higher . Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has fired Interior Minister Rafik Belhaj Kacem , the government announced Wednesday , in the wake of the deadly protests over high unemployment and poor living conditions . Tunisian protests fueled by social media networks Ahmad Freaa will be his replacement , Minister of Information Samir Abidi announced . Meanwhile , the government announced a curfew for the greater Tunis area from 8 p.m. Wednesday -LRB- 2 p.m. ET -RRB- until 6 a.m. Thursday -LRB- midnight ET -RRB- . Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi declined to answer a CNN question about whether live ammunition or snipers were used against demonstrators , saying those matters will be part of an investigation into the conduct of the security forces . Everyone arrested in the past few days has been released other than those accused of looting and vandalism , he said . Ghannouchi also announced that the government will begin providing a monthly grant and social security coverage to every