Spain to transfer migrant minors from Ceuta to mainland within weeks

Spain's leftist government intends to transfer unaccompanied migrant minors from overcrowded reception centers in the North African enclave of Ceuta to the mainland within weeks. This initiative seeks to ease the migration crisis in the territory after a recent deadly rush at the border with Morocco.

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I think it might only be a matter of a few weeks before we start seeing (minors) transferred to and welcomed on the mainland.

Youth Minister Sira Rego stated that 1,342 minors have been registered so far, and additional staff will be deployed to assist. She acknowledged the "painful images" of children sleeping on Ceuta's streets, noting that two schools have been repurposed as reception centers, with more spaces under consideration. Rego expressed optimism that transfers to the mainland could begin in a matter of weeks.

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We are prioritizing girls, and boys and girls who are under 13.

The government is prioritizing the transfer of girls and boys under 13. Rego described the situation in Ceuta as still challenging but gradually returning to normal. The far-right opposition has voiced objections to transferring minors to the mainland, where regional authorities manage reception services.

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Spain has no hurdles. What Spain will do is safeguard children's rights.

Morocco has offered to cooperate with Spain on the return of unaccompanied minors. Spain will evaluate this offer on a case-by-case basis, with Rego emphasizing that Spain has no judicial hurdles to such returns and will prioritize safeguarding children's rights. Specialized teams will assess each child's best interests, facilitating family reunification whenever possible. Rego also noted a change in the profile of child migrants compared to the major border rush in 2021.

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Family reunification would be facilitated whenever possible.