Morocco ready to assist unaccompanied minors in Ceuta crisis
Breaking news.
The Moroccan government has expressed its willingness to cooperate in the repatriation of unaccompanied minors stranded in Ceuta following the recent surge of migrants at the end of July. While Rabat confirms its readiness to facilitate the process, it highlights legal hurdles in Spanish procedures as the primary obstacle to immediate returns.
Rabat urges joint action with Madrid
The Moroccan authorities have confirmed their preparedness to support the identification of unaccompanied minors in Ceuta to expedite their return home. A senior diplomatic source in Rabat stated that the kingdom is committed to collaborating with Spanish officials and European partners to streamline this process. However, Moroccan officials emphasize that current administrative and judicial procedures in Spain are preventing the immediate repatriation of these children.
Over a thousand minors remain in Ceuta
Following the irregular entry of approximately 72,000 migrants into Ceuta within days in late July, Spanish authorities report that around 70,000 individuals have already returned to Morocco. Officials in Ceuta estimate that about 2,000 migrants remain in the enclave, including more than 1,000 unaccompanied minors. Child protection organizations have raised concerns about the heightened risks of exploitation, trafficking, and abuse faced by these vulnerable young individuals.
Human toll of the migration surge
The crisis has taken a severe human toll. Spanish forensic experts confirm that at least 80 lives have been lost, primarily due to drowning. Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities report 11 deaths on their side of the border.
