Spanish Official Blames Morocco for Repatriation Delays

In a recent turn of events, Spain's Minister for Youth and Children, Sira Rego, has responded sharply to criticism from Morocco regarding the lag in repatriating unaccompanied minors. This situation emerged following a statement from Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which highlighted Spain's failure to return these vulnerable children safely to their homeland and adequately manage the influx of migrants crossing its borders. Minister Rego accused Morocco of a "lack of action and response" that has hindered the repatriation process. She noted that the first group of five girls would soon be relocated from Ceuta to Navarre, a move aimed at ensuring their safety and well-being.

Challenges in Family Reunification Efforts

In an interview aired on Spanish television, Rego disclosed that there was a particular case of a child who expressed a desire to reunite with his family prior to a significant incident that occurred on July 30. Unfortunately, this child's return was delayed due to what she described as a "lack of response and action from Morocco." The Spanish official emphasized that the public prosecutor's office had opened around 600 cases related to these children, all of which predated the mass migration crisis, yet Rabat has reportedly not responded to these inquiries. Rego clarified that while the procedures for verifying family connections and facilitating the return of minors are conducted under strict legal and human rights standards, the efficacy of these processes relies heavily on cooperation from the originating country.

Rego also pointed out the pressing need for action, explaining that the high number of unaccompanied minors—approximately 2,000 currently in Ceuta—poses significant challenges. Although she refrained from estimating how many might ultimately reunite with their families in Morocco, she acknowledged that the number is limited. Many of these children either lack a family structure to return to or, as in the case of several girls, are fleeing dire circumstances such as forced marriages. The necessity to transfer minors to the Iberian Peninsula arises from the overwhelming pressure on Ceuta, ensuring that family reunification or reception can proceed in other areas with the same legal protections.

As reported by yabiladi.com.