Ceuta: 4,000 children wait for urgent transfers

At least 4,000 unaccompanied children and teenagers are in Ceuta on 21 September, with more than 2,000 living on the streets. Many have not yet been identified and lack proper access to food, water, shelter and healthcare. Children’s and human rights groups are demanding immediate transfers to protection systems in Spain’s autonomous communities.

The groups say those at greatest risk must go first. They have been living in these conditions for more than a month and a half, damaging their physical and mental health and exposing them to violence, abuse and exploitation.

Children at heightened risk

Organisations working in Ceuta say they have identified children and teenagers who may be refugees. They include girls who suffered gender-based violence or forced marriage in their countries of origin, LGBTIQ+ young people and children needing urgent medical care.

Some girls may also have suffered sexual violence since arriving in Ceuta, the groups say. Each case needs an individual assessment in a safe setting by specialist professionals, but overcrowded accommodation within the protection system is severely hampering those checks.

Call for immediate action

The organisations acknowledge Ceuta’s efforts but want extraordinary measures and immediate transfers to the other autonomous communities’ protection systems. They also call for coordination between all authorities involved, including the Ministry of Youth and Children.

Any possible repatriation must be decided case by case, with stronger safeguards, legal assistance and the involvement of the prosecution service, they say. Collective returns of unaccompanied minors are unlawful under Spanish and international law, the organisations warn.

Topics: Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com