Hundreds take to Ceuta’s streets to demand protection of children’s rights

More than 500 people gathered in Ceuta on Sunday under the slogan “For the children of Ceuta,” demanding that authorities protect children affected by the migration crisis.

Families with children and students formed much of the crowd outside the Spanish government delegation building. The protest was organized by the Citizens’ Aid Forum for Ceuta and Melilla, with additional mobilization through social media.

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For the children of Ceuta

Demonstrators carried signs reading “I need to be a child in my city” and “They stole our August.” They called on public administrations to guarantee children’s rights, protection and well-being after the mass arrival of migrants from Morocco disrupted numerous activities during the previous month.

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I need to be a child in my city

At the rally, protesters also said Ceuta “is not a CETI,” referring to the migrant reception centers operating in the city. A manifesto read at the end of the event said children “did not cause this crisis, did not decide how it should be managed and bear no responsibility, but they are suffering its consequences.”

The organizers demanded measures for a safe return to school and said residents had spent 39 days asking for help. After the reading, they moved their protest toward the El Tarajal border crossing with Morocco.

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They stole our August

The migration crisis remains unresolved. The Spanish government estimates that 5,000 migrants remain in the city, while Ceuta’s authorities put the figure at nearly 9,000 and some nongovernmental organizations say it could reach 20,000. Police have transferred 1,500 migrant minors into the care of the Ceuta government, where they live in facilities established during the crisis.

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did not cause this crisis, did not decide how it should be managed and bear no responsibility, but they are suffering its consequences