Minors starve in Ceuta as mass crossings end in despair and disappointment

The Spanish enclave of Ceuta is grappling with one of its most difficult crises in recent years, as a mass influx of migrants has devolved into a humanitarian and security emergency. Hundreds of children and minors are among the thousands stranded without shelter or food, overwhelming reception centers and forcing many to abandon their journey to Europe and return to Morocco.

Spanish newspaper El País described Ceuta as being in a state of near paralysis. Shops and restaurants have closed, summer festivals were canceled, and police, ambulance, and army patrols are visible throughout the city, attempting to restore order after days of chaos following the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants.

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We haven't eaten anything since we arrived... I feel very hungry.

Public parks, squares, and beaches have become open-air sleeping areas, with hundreds bedding down on the ground. Some beaches have turned into places for migrants to relieve themselves, as they spend consecutive nights outdoors amid high temperatures, hunger, and a lack of water. The situation is particularly dire for children and minors, whose numbers far exceed the capacity of reception centers.

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The Spanish army soldiers kept telling us to leave the city, which forced me and my brother to hide in the highlands to escape patrols, before we became convinced that staying was no longer possible.

Local authorities reported a sharp increase in unaccompanied minors at reception centers, from about 180 to around 770 in just three days. This surge has crippled the reception system, making it impossible to register new arrivals. Care workers had warned weeks ago about the potential for such a scenario, but their warnings went unheeded, leading to the current chaotic conditions where centers are completely unable to accommodate more children.

Children and teenagers are lining up around reception centers, hoping for a spot, believing their young age might grant them a chance to stay in Spain. However, most face closed doors due to overcrowding. Testimonies from children paint a grim picture: 14-year-old Malak from Morocco suffered an ankle injury while crossing rocks but received no treatment, spending two days outdoors before returning to Morocco. Spanish soldiers reportedly urged them to leave, forcing them to hide in the hills. Fifteen-year-old Ahmed from M'diq reported not eating since his arrival and feeling intense hunger. Other children survived on water alone, sleeping in parks, gas stations, or on sidewalks. Sixteen-year-old Adam from Casablanca shared a similar experience, being advised to leave due to full capacity and receiving no food, sleeping on a beach before his parents urged him to return to Morocco.

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I received advice to leave the city due to the complete overcrowding. I haven't received any food since my arrival and only slept on a beach before contacting my parents who immediately asked me to return to Morocco.