Rabat seeks cooperation with Madrid

Morocco has indicated its readiness to participate in the identification of unaccompanied minors residing in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta to facilitate their return home. According to diplomatic sources in Morocco, the kingdom intends to collaborate closely with Spanish authorities and European partners to execute this operation. However, Rabat maintains that the primary hurdle lies in Spain’s administrative and judicial procedures, which currently impede the return of these children.

Over a thousand minors still in Ceuta

Following the irregular entry of approximately 72,000 migrants into Ceuta over several days in late July, Spanish authorities report that nearly 70,000 individuals have since returned to Morocco. The administration of Ceuta estimates that about 2,000 migrants remain within the enclave, with over 1,000 of them being unaccompanied minors. Various child rights organizations have voiced serious concerns regarding the potential risks of exploitation, trafficking, and abuse that these vulnerable young people might face.

A heavy human toll

The recent migrant crisis has tragically resulted in numerous fatalities. A Spanish commission of forensic specialists has confirmed that at least 80 individuals lost their lives, predominantly due to drowning. On the Moroccan side of the border, authorities have reported 11 deaths stemming from the same events.