Spain's Initiative for Migrant Minors in Ceuta
On August 11, the Spanish government announced its commitment to collaborate with the Moroccan authorities on the family reunification of unaccompanied migrant minors currently in Ceuta. As stated by Félix Bolaños, the Spanish Minister for the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with the Cortes, a total of 1,527 minors have already been identified. The minister emphasized that the government is actively working with Morocco to ensure that these minors can be reunited with their families back in Morocco. This initiative was highlighted by Bolaños during his visit to Almería, where he outlined the strategic importance of this collaboration.
Bolaños presented family reunification as a central principle in the ongoing cooperation with Moroccan officials, ensuring that any return of these minors would be contingent on locating their families. He stressed that the Spanish government intends to continue providing care for these minors in Ceuta until all procedures are completed, working alongside local authorities to ensure that the treatment of these individuals remains respectful of human rights. The minister affirmed that Madrid is committed to upholding human rights, safeguarding the best interests of the minors, and acting with compassion throughout this process.
Focus on the Best Interests of Minors
The identified figure of 1,527 refers specifically to the unaccompanied minors recognized by Spanish authorities in Ceuta. Minister Bolaños also noted the ongoing cooperation between the central government and the city’s executive in managing their care. He assured that real-time updates regarding the situation are being communicated from Madrid, which is striving to restore normalcy in Ceuta amidst these challenging circumstances.
This approach distinctly separates the treatment of minors, which is based on their best interests and the search for their families, from the handling of adults who have entered the country irregularly. It also provides a tangible outcome of the discussions between Madrid and Rabat regarding the management of the situation in Ceuta, positioning family reunification in Morocco as the publicly endorsed solution for the affected children and adolescents.
Moreover, José Manuel Albares, the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, issued a warning on the same day to individuals considering irregular crossings to Ceuta or Melilla from the African continent. He advised against such attempts and cautioned that anyone entering the country unlawfully would be returned to their country of origin. This stance aligns with the ongoing efforts with Morocco regarding returns and the specific situation of minors, with Madrid prioritizing the identification of relatives and facilitating family reunification in Morocco, subject to applicable legal guarantees and the best interests of each child.
As reported by barlamane.com.
