Spanish authorities have initiated a new identification process for irregular migrants residing at the temporary migrant camp in Muelle de Poniente, Ceuta. The camp is set to be dismantled, with its residents to be relocated to other facilities. This move is part of a broader effort to manage the migrant situation in Ceuta, where tens of thousands of migrants entered the occupied territory in July.
The identification process is a prerequisite for the transfer of migrants to other facilities, with the goal of relocating residents to seven temporary camps across Ceuta. The Spanish government aims to close and dismantle facilities with fewer residents by moving migrants between them. The Muelle de Poniente camp, which sparked controversy upon its opening due to opposition from the Port Authority, is the first to undergo this process.
The mass crossing of over 70,000 people into Ceuta in July has been a contentious issue, with far-right politicians and others using it to advance their agendas and secure votes. This led to a smear campaign targeting Morocco, accusing it of facilitating the mass crossing. Morocco has responded, reiterating its commitment to tackling the migration crisis through reciprocity and shared responsibility.
Morocco has emphasized that it is neither a gendarme nor a policeman for the European Union and that its efforts are part of its commitment to cooperation based on reciprocity and mutual respect. The country has also stated that it will not be subjected to pressure or blackmail and that its cooperation is a sovereign choice. Morocco's existing model of cooperation on migration, including with Spain, has been deemed outdated.
Morocco has been actively working to tackle irregular migration, with recent data from the Ministry of Interior showing that over 58,000 attempts at irregular migration were thwarted by the end of August. Moroccan security services have also dismantled 148 networks involved in migrant smuggling between January and August. Additionally, Morocco has rescued 8,288 migrants, providing them with necessary assistance during the same period.
Spain is facing scrutiny over the ongoing challenges migrants face in shelters in Ceuta, with reports highlighting inadequate protection for unaccompanied migrant minors. Five non-governmental organizations have filed a report with Spanish prosecutors, warning that around 400 children and teenagers remain without adequate protection nearly 100 days after the major influx in late July.
The situation in Ceuta remains a pressing concern, with efforts to address the migration crisis ongoing. Morocco and Spain must navigate their cooperation on migration, taking into account the complexities and challenges involved. The identification process for irregular migrants in Ceuta is a step towards managing the situation, but more work remains to be done to ensure the well-being and protection of migrants.
Key points
- The Spanish government has set up seven temporary camps across Ceuta to relocate migrants from the Muelle de Poniente camp.
- Morocco has thwarted over 58,000 attempts at irregular migration by the end of August.
- Around 400 unaccompanied migrant minors in Ceuta remain without adequate protection nearly 100 days after a major influx in late July.
