Migrant children risk abuse on streets of Ceuta, aid groups warn
Ceuta authorities said there were around 1,100 children needing attention in the city.
Aid organizations have raised concerns about the safety of migrant children who have taken refuge on the streets of Ceuta, Spain, following a mass entry from Morocco. According to the Federation Sur Acoge, around 1,100 children need assistance, with authorities struggling to provide shelter for those who remain in the city. Jose Miguel Morales, the head of the group, has reported instances of children being beaten and assaulted.
Save the Children has called for urgent action to register all minors, particularly girls, who face heightened risks of violence, trafficking, and exploitation. Spain's government has reported that around 70,000 of the 72,000 migrants who entered Ceuta from Morocco on July 30-31 have returned, leaving about 2,000 behind. However, the city administration claims the number is higher, including more than 1,000 unaccompanied minors.
Ceuta's vice-president, Alejandro Ramirez, described the situation as "unsustainable" as the city's capacity, which is only 90 places, has been completely overwhelmed. Charities and local residents are providing food, water, and other basic supplies to children sleeping rough, but the situation remains dire. Morocco has pledged to identify unaccompanied minors for their return, but opposition parties in Spain have resisted redistributing children to other regions due to political and legal obstacles.
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