Judicial Actions Against Non-Repatriation of Minors
The Junta de Castilla y León has announced its intention to legally challenge all cases concerning unaccompanied minors (menas) that do not lead to their repatriation to Morocco. This decision was communicated by Carlos Pollán, the Vice President and Minister of Deregulation, Family, and Social Aid, in a letter addressed to Sira Rego, the Minister of Youth and Childhood. Pollán's correspondence also indicated his absence from the upcoming sectoral conference on Childhood, scheduled for Thursday.
Pollán emphasized that the only legal option available is the return of minors to Morocco, whether through family reunification or by handing them over to the appropriate guardianship institution in Morocco. He stated, "We will oppose and legally challenge every single case that does not conclude with their return to Morocco, as this is the only option that respects justice and the best interests of the child." This sentiment was previously hinted at by Carlos Fernández Carriedo, the government spokesperson, who suggested exploring the possibility of contesting these cases.
In his letter, Pollán pointed out that the state’s authority over immigration has not been exercised correctly, rendering the current proceedings inappropriate and contrary to the principles of child and family protection, as well as the responsibilities of both Spain and Morocco. He urged the government to fulfill its obligations swiftly, ensuring that each case is handled with the best interests of the child in mind, determining whether family reunification or repatriation is required.
Concerns Over Treatment of Minors and Calls for Action
Pollán expressed serious concerns regarding the potential misuse of minors as mere statistical units in distribution formulas when individual circumstances suggest alternative protective measures, such as returning them to their families or communities of origin. He firmly stated, "We will not be complicit in such an injustice." The letter also referenced various regulations that prioritize the repatriation of immigrants to their countries of origin, notably a 2007 agreement between Spain and Morocco mandating the facilitation of assisted returns for minors.
This position has garnered support from other regions governed by VOX, such as Aragón and Extremadura, with their vice presidents sending similar letters to Rego, formally noting their objections to any proposed agreements or distributions of minors from Ceuta to other parts of Spain.
In the communication to the government, Castilla y León insisted that the processing of individual cases be completed promptly and that decisions on family reunification or repatriation to Morocco be made on a case-by-case basis. Pollán articulated that the community is currently overwhelmed and cannot accept further transfers of minors, particularly those who arrived on July 30 and 31. He stressed that any territorial distribution should only occur after the state has completed the necessary individual procedures outlined by law.
Additionally, Pollán's letter called for the implementation of appropriate measures to protect all children, whether Spanish or foreign, from further sexual assaults in Ceuta. He demanded that the government take decisive actions to identify and prosecute perpetrators of these heinous crimes, ensuring they face justice in their country of origin.
Lastly, the Vice President requested that the government expedite the processes for family reunification and repatriation for foreign minors who have experienced sexual violence in Ceuta, facilitating their recovery within their family or support network, despite the severe trauma inflicted upon them.
In response, Minister Rego criticized the decisions made by Extremadura, Aragón, and Castilla y León, stating they have chosen to side with VOX, thereby abandoning Ceuta and its president, Juan Jesús Vivas, particularly after these regions failed to attend the conference on Childhood and Adolescence. She highlighted that these governments have rejected a financial transfer of 25 million euros to Ceuta.
On the other hand, Iñaki Gómez, the deputy spokesperson for the Socialist Parliamentary Group, argued that Castilla y León has the capacity to welcome more immigrant children and called for solidarity with Ceuta. He refuted claims of saturation, emphasizing the need to prioritize the well-being of children, highlighting the importance of human rights in their treatment.
As reported by diariodecastillayleon.es.
