Recent Developments in Ceuta's Immigration Situation
The Spanish Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, announced on Tuesday that a total of 4,516 immigrants have voluntarily returned to Morocco from Ceuta since August 10. In addition to these voluntary returns, the authorities have expelled 278 individuals and reported a significant number of unaccompanied minors, specifically 2,004, with 1,290 of these minors arriving since July 30. The unique command structure overseeing the migration situation has emphasized the difficulty in determining the exact number of individuals who remain in the autonomous city following the mass influx that occurred on July 30 and 31, with the Minister stating, "It is impossible for an institution to provide an exact number." This statement underscores the complexity and fluidity of the current situation, which has raised numerous humanitarian concerns.
During a press conference following the Council of Ministers, Torres poignantly remarked on the conditions that drive such desperate actions, highlighting that a nine-year-old child would not risk their life at sea unless they were faced with dire circumstances, indicating the lack of future prospects for their families. "That child is not an invader," he reiterated, drawing attention to the human element amidst the ongoing crisis.
Emergency Measures and Support for Immigrants
The Minister also provided updates regarding the infrastructure in place to support the influx of immigrants, noting that 3,400 temporary accommodation spots have already been established in Ceuta, with plans to expand this capacity to 6,000 in the coming days. Alongside these measures, the government continues to supply meals to over 3,000 immigrants and has received substantial material aid, including approximately 800 mattresses and 600 bunk beds, to assist those in need. Furthermore, there has been an increase in medical personnel and resources, including 16 additional doctors, forensic technicians, two auxiliary judges, and 18 public defenders to address the legal needs of the migrants.
On the health front, the mass vaccination campaign commenced on Monday, targeting a total of 45,000 doses to combat infectious diseases among the migrant population. As of the latest reports, 298 migrants housed at the Temporary Immigrant Stay Center (CETI) have received vaccinations for viral infections, including diphtheria-tetanus, chickenpox, and polio, contributing to the overall public health effort. This vaccination initiative was made possible through donations from various autonomous communities aimed at preventing outbreaks within the vulnerable population. The latest health assistance statistics provided by the National Institute of Health Management (Ingesa) indicate that 1,192 doses were administered within the initial 24 hours of the vaccination drive.
In response to the growing need for healthcare services, primary healthcare facilities and the Ceuta Hospital have undertaken a total of 355 medical assistance actions. The local population continues to have access to essential resources, with programmed and emergency health services being maintained by the public health system. Specifically, primary care attended to 227 individuals, while emergency services at the hospital reported 128 interventions, ensuring that the health needs of both migrants and local residents are being met effectively during this challenging period.
As reported by elfarodeceuta.es.
