Rising Death Toll and Human Rights Concerns in Ceuta Migration Incident
In a recent statement, Morocco's National Human Rights Council (CNDH) has announced a troubling increase in the death toll associated with the mass migration attempt to the Spanish-administered enclave of Ceuta. As of Friday, the reported fatalities on the Moroccan side have risen to 14, reflecting a grim update from the previous count of 11. This alarming figure is part of a broader context where official Spanish reports indicate that approximately 80 individuals tragically lost their lives during this harrowing event.
The CNDH has expressed significant concern regarding the treatment of irregular migrants by the authorities in Ceuta, asserting that they failed to provide essential assistance during this crisis. Reports indicate that local authorities took drastic measures by closing restaurants, cafes, and large retail establishments, which effectively deprived migrants of vital access to food and water sources. Furthermore, the council has documented instances of violent attacks against irregular migrants within Ceuta, characterizing these acts as driven by racism and xenophobia. The council emphasized that the protection and support afforded to these vulnerable individuals were grossly inadequate.
In terms of physical injuries, the CNDH reported that a total of 136 civilians sustained minor injuries as a result of the incidents, with 13 requiring hospitalization for treatment of fractures and CT scans. Additionally, medical consultations were extended to 87 members of Morocco's public security forces, highlighting the widespread impact of the crisis. However, it is noteworthy that Spanish authorities have not disclosed information regarding injuries sustained by their own security personnel during the events.
Moreover, the aftermath of the Ceuta incidents has seen around 100 individuals arrested, including 11 minors. The council also addressed separate incidents in the northern town of Beni Ansar, near the enclave of Melilla, where 23 individuals, including two foreign nationals, have been referred to the Nador court, while 11 minors face judicial investigation.
Damage reports indicate that the incidents resulted in significant destruction, with 61 private vehicles, 15 motorcycles, and 18 vehicles belonging to Morocco's security forces suffering damage in Fnideq and at the Beni Ansar border crossing. Between July 29 and July 31, tens of thousands of Moroccans gathered near the border fence with Ceuta, marking what authorities have termed the largest mass irregular migration attempt toward the enclave. Following this tumultuous period, the Ceuta authorities reported that between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remained in the enclave, after over 69,000 individuals returned to Moroccan territory following the mass crossing.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
