The Ongoing Debate on Migrant Returns from Ceuta
The debate surrounding the repatriation of up to 9,000 migrants from Ceuta has intensified within Spain, particularly among the conservative People's Party (PP) and the regional government of the Spanish exclave. They are advocating for the return of all individuals who crossed the border from Morocco three weeks ago, including the 2,168 unaccompanied minors and at least 2,500 individuals from Sub-Saharan Africa whose asylum claims remain unresolved. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the opposition, asserted during his visit to Ceuta that no rights should be granted to those participating in what he called an 'illegal invasion,' emphasizing that both adults and minors must be sent back. This statement was a direct response to the central government's plan to transfer 500 unaccompanied Moroccan girls to the mainland, which has faced logistical challenges in accommodating all children and adolescents in Ceuta.
The relocation of these girls marks a significant shift in the Spanish government's approach. Just days before, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares had declared that any individual who entered Spain irregularly would be returned to Morocco, reflecting the explicit willingness of the Moroccan government to facilitate the return of its citizens without demanding concessions. Furthermore, a spokesperson for the European Commission reinforced the stance that all individuals residing illegally in Ceuta should be repatriated, which EU law supports, even for unaccompanied minors.
Legal and Humanitarian Implications
However, the Spanish central government has countered this narrative, highlighting the legal framework that mandates hearings and assessments of the individual circumstances for all unaccompanied minors, resulting in a lengthy process. Youth Minister Sira Rego condemned the calls for deportation from Brussels and the PP, stating unequivocally that deporting children is illegal. In Ceuta, the regional conservative government is responsible for unaccompanied minors but has rejected the proposed relocations to the mainland, despite claims from the central government that they are working on solutions. Historically, the Spanish judiciary has taken a strict stance on similar issues, evidenced by the conviction of a former central government representative in Ceuta and the deputy regional president for unlawfully returning 55 Moroccan minors in 2021, leading to a ban from holding public office for several years.
Currently, Ceuta only has 29 designated spots for unaccompanied minors, while NGOs estimate their actual numbers to be between 3,000 and 4,000, with around 800 still homeless due to insufficient accommodation in warehouses and schools. UNICEF has reported that hundreds of these minors are wandering the streets under unsanitary conditions, urgently needing three meals a day and, in many cases, medical assistance. The Spanish fact-checking organization Newtral has reported 13 cases of sexual assault against minor migrants, mostly involving foreigners without legal residency in Spain. After three weeks, uncertainty persists regarding the number of the more than 70,000 individuals who arrived from Morocco at the end of July still present in the city of approximately 84,000 residents. An improvised refugee camp with around 1,200 potential asylum seekers from Sub-Saharan Africa and several hundred Moroccans was recently dismantled at Trampolin Beach. The military has set up tents at various locations, with capacity for 1,800 individuals, which could potentially expand to 4,000, as authorities urged for 'extreme hygiene' in light of reported cases of scabies among police and soldiers.
Meanwhile, the first bodies are being buried in the Muslim cemetery beneath the Sidi-Embarek Mosque, with only six of the 82 recovered corpses identified as Moroccan. The rest are interred in nameless graves, but can be exhumed if linked to families through DNA or other information. Aid organizations estimate that over 140 people have died while attempting to reach Ceuta.
As reported by faz.net.
