Three European lawmakers have condemned the humanitarian situation in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in Morocco, as "dreadful" following a fact-finding mission. The lawmakers, who visited Ceuta in September 2026, expressed concern over the plight of thousands of migrants still stranded in the enclave. They met with humanitarian workers, NGO representatives, and migrants, including some as young as six years old. The visit aimed to assess the situation on the ground and push for immediate action.
The mass influx of migrants into Ceuta occurred on July 30-31, 2026, when over 70,000 people crossed from Morocco. While most have since left, around 5,000 migrants remain in the enclave, including approximately 1,200 minors. The lawmakers stressed that Ceuta cannot become a testing ground for restricting rights or an open refugee camp. They called on Spanish authorities to guarantee the protection and fundamental rights of migrants in the enclave.
The EU lawmakers gathered testimony from migrants alleging abuse and mistreatment. They accused Spanish security forces of conducting nighttime operations and using violence. One lawmaker, Jaume Asens, reported instances of torture and inhumane treatment by military forces, including arrests and beatings. Some migrants allegedly suffered theft, were forced to shave their heads, or coerced into embracing a Christian cross or Spanish flag.
Local authorities in Ceuta have criticized the Spanish central government for allegedly ignoring warning signs before the massive influx of migrants. The crisis has left deep scars, with local authorities reproaching Madrid for its handling of the situation. The lawmakers emphasized that the Spanish government must take responsibility for ensuring the protection and rights of migrants.
The situation in Ceuta has sparked concern among European lawmakers and human rights organizations. The enclave's unique status as a European border has put it under immense pressure. The lawmakers' visit aimed to draw attention to the crisis and push for a coordinated response from European authorities. They stressed that the time to act is now.
The Spanish government has faced criticism for its handling of the migration crisis. King Felipe VI is set to visit Ceuta and Melilla, a Spanish city in Morocco, to assess the situation. The visit aims to demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing the crisis and finding a solution.
The humanitarian situation in Ceuta remains dire, with thousands of migrants still stranded in the enclave. The EU lawmakers' condemnation of the situation has put pressure on Spanish authorities to act swiftly. The Spanish government must now take concrete steps to address the crisis and ensure the protection and rights of migrants in Ceuta.
Key points
- - Three EU lawmakers have denounced the humanitarian situation in Ceuta as "dreadful" following a fact-finding mission. - Around 5,000 migrants remain stranded in Ceuta, including approximately 1,200 minors. - The lawmakers accused Spanish security forces of abuse and mistreatment of migrants, including torture and inhumane treatment.
