Ceuta leader calls migrant child situation 'unsustainable,' pleads for aid

The Spanish territory of Ceuta is facing an "unsustainable situation" with hundreds of unaccompanied minors stranded after a massive influx of migrants from neighboring Morocco, its leader has warned. Spain has repatriated the vast majority of the approximately 72,000 people who crossed into the territory irregularly in late July.

“

This is an absolutely unsustainable situation.

However, an estimated 2,500 individuals remain, a significant portion of whom are children without guardians. These minors are enduring harsh conditions, with limited access to essential resources like food, water, shelter, and sanitation. Ceuta's leader, Juan Jesus Vivas, stated that authorities are caring for 1,100 migrant minors in facilities designed for only 90, highlighting the severe strain on resources.

"This is an absolutely unsustainable situation," Vivas told public broadcaster RTVE, warning of a "high risk for order and public security." He has appealed to the central government for assistance from across Spain, criticizing the administration's response as "late and clearly insufficient."

“

there are still minors in our streets and that is a priority, a source of great concern.

The charity Save the Children estimates that around 1,000 "unprotected" minors are still in Ceuta. The Spanish government has announced emergency funding of €25 million for the territory to help manage the crisis, converting two schools into reception centers. However, political divisions loom, with potential resistance from conservative and far-right parties in other regions to redistributing the children within Spain.

“

We are asking for help, for assistance from the rest of Spain.