Migrant children risk abuse on Ceuta streets, aid groups warn

Hundreds of unaccompanied minors are sleeping on the streets of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, facing a high risk of abuse and exploitation, according to aid organizations. Thousands of children and adults arrived in Ceuta from Morocco last week, and while most adults have been sent back, authorities are struggling to house the minors who require individual processing.

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Every day that passes without a solution and without safe accommodation means these children - especially the girls - are exposed to all forms of abuse.

Local authorities estimate around 1100 unaccompanied minors are in Ceuta. The Spanish organization Federación Sur Acoge reports that some children have been assaulted. "Every day that passes without a solution and without safe accommodation means these children – especially the girls – are exposed to all forms of abuse," said José Miguel Morales, the organization's leader, to Spanish television. He emphasized that many of these children are ten years old or younger, with many under 14.

Save the Children has also called for swift registration of all minors, warning that girls are particularly vulnerable to violence, trafficking, and exploitation. The Spanish government states that about 70,000 of the 72,000 migrants who entered Ceuta in late July have returned. However, Ceuta's vice president, Alejandro Ramírez, described the situation as "unsustainable," citing a lack of space and an overwhelmed capacity. Authorities are working to establish emergency accommodations in schools and warehouses.

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We are talking about real children - in some cases ten years or younger. Many are under 14.

Children sleeping on the streets rely on charities and local residents for basic necessities. An unnamed Moroccan diplomatic source told the country's state news agency that Morocco is ready to cooperate with Spain and other European partners on the return of unaccompanied minors.

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Our capacity has been completely overwhelmed.