Morocco's Commitment to Repatriation and Clarification on Migrant Deaths
In a recent statement made by Morocco's Justice Minister, Abdellatif Ouahbi, the country has expressed its readiness to repatriate Moroccan minors from Ceuta, along with receiving the bodies of Moroccan migrants who tragically lost their lives during the recent crisis. Ouahbi emphasized that Morocco's stance is not one of refusal; rather, it is contingent upon Spain providing adequate medical records and identity documentation for the deceased migrants. Without this critical information, Morocco is unable to accept the remains, as it is essential to ascertain their identities before any repatriation can occur.
Ouahbi articulated the necessity of clear communication between Moroccan and Spanish authorities, stating, "Morocco cannot receive bodies without knowing who they belong to." He noted that the current information available does not clarify whether all deceased individuals were Moroccan nationals or if there were migrants from other countries involved.
Need for Comprehensive Migration Policies
The Justice Minister also voiced Morocco's desire for a comprehensive agreement with Spain and the European Union regarding migration policies. He criticized the reliance on purely security-based measures to curb migration, arguing that such an approach is not sustainable in the long run. Ouahbi pointed out that Morocco cannot be solely responsible for managing migration, especially when Spain continues to accept migrants. He called for a collaborative effort to establish a well-defined migration policy that addresses the complexities of the situation.
Furthermore, Ouahbi expressed concern over the lack of progress in implementing European decisions related to the return of minors, reiterating Morocco's willingness to accept them, contingent on the establishment of proper procedures and documentation. He highlighted the need to differentiate between minors in Spain, as not all are from Morocco.
Social media campaigns have been identified as a significant factor motivating young individuals, including minors, to embark on perilous journeys toward Europe, with many believing that Ceuta is part of Morocco. This misperception could have led to a tragic confrontation, which Ouahbi noted was deftly managed by Moroccan authorities during the mass movement of young people toward the city.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
