DistantNews
Support us
🇸🇪 Sweden /Disasters & Emergencies

Hundreds of minors remain in Ceuta after mass migrant return

From Svenska Dagbladet · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Approximately 70,000 of the 72,000 migrants who entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta last week have returned to Morocco.
  • A significant number of those remaining in Ceuta are unaccompanied minors.
  • Ceuta's leader stated that authorities are caring for about 1,100 minors, far exceeding the region's capacity of 90.

Spanish authorities report that roughly 70,000 of the estimated 72,000 migrants who entered the North African enclave of Ceuta last week have now returned to Morocco. This mass movement followed a sudden influx of people, primarily from Morocco, who crossed the border into the Spanish territory.

Despite the large-scale returns, a substantial number of individuals remain in Ceuta. Among those left behind, a significant portion are unaccompanied children and adolescents. This situation presents a growing humanitarian challenge for the Spanish authorities managing the enclave.

Juan Jesus Vivas, the leader of Ceuta, described the current situation as "completely unsustainable." He revealed that local authorities are currently providing care for approximately 1,100 minors. This number vastly exceeds the region's established capacity, which can only accommodate around 90 children. The strain on resources and infrastructure is immense as they attempt to manage this unexpected surge of vulnerable individuals.

This is a completely unsustainable situation.

— Juan Jesus VivasCeuta's leader describing the strain on resources due to the number of remaining unaccompanied minors.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog