Migrant women tell of sexual harassment in Spain's crisis-hit Ceuta
Some women who entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta on July 30 as part of a mass migrant crossing say the hardships of sleeping rough as they wait to be registered are compounded by the threat and fear of sexual harassment. Authorities say that between 5,000 and 8,000 people remain in the enclave, more than two weeks after 72,000 people crossed from Morocco in a deadly border surge.
Spain is opening temporary shelters in Ceuta, its enclave in Morocco, for up to 1,800 migrants. The move aims to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from a large influx of people attempting to enter the territory last month. According to the Malay Mail, around 72,000 migrants crossed the border on July 30-31, with 70,000 since returning to Morocco.
The shelters are part of the government's response to the crisis, which has left many migrants, including women, girls, and unaccompanied minors, struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and sanitation. The Local Spain reports that the government is also preparing to transfer 500 unaccompanied migrant girls to mainland Spain, a move opposed by Ceuta authorities.
The situation in Ceuta has been challenging, with locals complaining about insecurity and hygiene problems linked to homeless migrants. The government's plan is to offer alternative accommodation and reception spaces, with the temporary shelters being expanded progressively as other planned spaces are adapted. According to RFI English and Spain in English, the two new shelters have space for around 1,800 people and are being established in response to the recent surge in arrivals from neighbouring Morocco.
Brief written by urgent.news from RFI English, Spain in English, The Local Spain, Le Monde English, Malay Mail — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
