AMDH Urges Thorough Investigation Following Migrant Arrivals in Ceuta
The Moroccan human rights organization AMDH is pressing for a comprehensive investigation into the recent influx of tens of thousands of migrants into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta located in North Africa. Following the arrival of these migrants, AMDH stated that a "serious and independent investigation" is crucial to gain "complete clarity on the circumstances and causes" surrounding these events. The organization emphasized the need to establish "responsibilities" for the tragic incidents that occurred during this migration wave.
According to AMDH, there have been reports of "almost 130 victims" and dozens of missing persons in connection with the events at this Spanish enclave, which borders Morocco. The Spanish government has confirmed that at least 67 migrants lost their lives while attempting to reach Ceuta. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska indicated that up to 60,000 individuals had arrived from Morocco via land or sea routes since the beginning of the week. However, his ministry later reported that "almost all" of the migrants who arrived have since returned to Morocco.
In response, the opposition Moroccan party for Justice and Development (PJD) has called for the establishment of a "national commission" to conduct an "impartial and transparent investigation" into these events. The party, which is conservatively oriented and led by former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, firmly condemned the government's silence in the face of these painful and regrettable occurrences.
EU's Migration Policies Under Scrutiny Amidst Political Tensions
The dramatic events in Ceuta have exposed deep divides within the European Union regarding migration policies. Several member states have called for an urgent meeting of interior ministers to discuss ways to prevent "mass and uncontrolled border crossings" in the future. This meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
Spain's Prime Minister Sánchez has voiced his criticisms, particularly regarding Italy's decision to suspend the Schengen Agreement for travel to Madrid for one month. He expressed in a letter to the presidents of the EU Commission and the European Council that, given the current international context, the EU cannot afford such a selfish, polarizing, and unlawful reaction.
Support for Sánchez's stance came from German Vice Chancellor and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil, who noted that Ceuta has become the target of what appears to be a controlled migration movement. He asserted that individuals are being utilized "in an attempt to divide Europe," and thus emphasized that "the unity of Europe and solidarity with Spain are now paramount." Klingbeil further insisted on the necessity of clarifying the events leading to this migration surge and identifying those responsible.
In contrast to many other European nations, Spain has adopted a more open migration policy, planning to grant residency rights to over 500,000 undocumented individuals. However, the Spanish government has rejected allegations that this initiative triggered the recent surge of migrants, asserting that applicants must demonstrate they have resided in Spain before January 1, 2026.
Additionally, Spain's Supreme Court recently ruled that individuals crossing borders irregularly through unfortified areas, such as the sea, are entitled to individual asylum assessments. Immediate expulsion of migrants is permissible only if they have crossed a fence or other barrier.
As reported by taz.de.
