Sira Rego: "We Will Not Execute Mass Returns of Children as Requested by the PP and Morocco"
The Minister of Youth and Childhood, Sira Rego, has firmly dismissed the notion of mass returns of unaccompanied minors to Morocco, despite requests from the Moroccan government. During a recent meeting with the autonomous regions at the Sectorial Conference on Childhood and Adolescence, Rego emphasized that Spain will not comply with demands to send these vulnerable children back en masse. "We will not execute mass returns of children as requested by the Popular Party (PP) and Morocco," she stated.
Rego elaborated that Spanish and European laws are designed to protect minors, countering suggestions from some right-wing voices that advocate for simply placing children on a bus and returning them to the border. Such actions are not permissible under current legal frameworks. She expressed disappointment that the meeting had become a missed opportunity, as regions governed by the PP, such as Madrid, opposed adding a discussion point on the relocation of these minors to the agenda. According to the regulations, modifying the agenda requires the presence of all communities, which was not the case during this meeting.
In light of the overwhelming circumstances facing the current immigration system, the minister did indicate a willingness to consider temporary placements of these minors with Spanish families. This approach aims to alleviate the pressure on state systems while ensuring the safety and welfare of the children involved. The ongoing migration crisis continues to present complex challenges, and Rego's statements highlight the delicate balance between humanitarian obligations and legal frameworks.
As reported by abc.es.
