Spain and Morocco consult on managing over 1,000 unaccompanied minors in Ceuta

Moroccan and Spanish justice ministers are currently engaged in consultations to develop a joint strategy for managing the large number of Moroccan minors present in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This dialogue follows a recent surge in arrivals and addresses legal complexities arising from Spanish court restrictions on immediate pushbacks of sea migrants.

The two countries are exploring mechanisms to confirm the identities of these minors and arrange their return to their families. The talks also encompass strengthening legal and institutional cooperation to dismantle smuggling and human trafficking rings that prey on adolescents seeking to reach Europe.

This collaborative effort comes amid significant pressure on Ceuta's local authorities, who report hosting over 1,000 unaccompanied minors. With reception centers completely saturated, the local government has requested the transfer of some minors to other regions of Spain. However, Spanish law prohibits collective or automatic returns, mandating an individual assessment for each case.

This assessment includes verifying identity, evaluating family situations, and ensuring that repatriation does not endanger the child's safety or fundamental rights. Consequently, close coordination with Rabat is deemed essential for identifying the minors, contacting their relatives, and establishing a rigorous legal process for the return of those who meet the necessary conditions.