The Minister for Childhood and Youth emphasized that data regarding the mass arrival of migrants in the Spanish enclave in North Africa within 24 hours between July 30 and 31 indicates a change in the 'migration profile.'
According to Sira Rego, this change in the migration profile 'requires that the response and approach to migration must also be different.' She highlighted the vulnerability of many minors she observed in Ceuta after the migration crisis, noting cases of girls fleeing extreme cruelty who have no family to return to, as well as boys arriving from the streets.
Regarding the migrating girls currently in reception centers in Ceuta, the Government proposed that about 500 should remain under Ceuta's guardianship but transition to the supervision of regional peninsula social institutions, without involving autonomous community resources.
The Minister advocated for an individual approach to each child, stating that it 'requires time and support to understand why they are here and what solution is possible in each case.' She added that even if some may have families they can return to, it is necessary to 'create mechanisms' that also require a response from Morocco.
Faced with this 'significant' shift in the 'migration map and its challenges,' Rego expressed critical views regarding the 'European bet on foreign policy and border militarization,' instead of investing in 'legal and safe pathways for organizing and controlling migration with rights.'
The Minister spoke at a press conference following a sector meeting with the autonomous communities. At this meeting, the allocation of 25 million euros to Ceuta for housing migrant minors was approved, with all communities giving their consent, except Aragon, Castile and León, and Extremadura, where the far-right Vox party (opposition) holds authority on this matter.
Calling for the solidarity of the autonomous communities with Ceuta regarding the migration crisis, and criticizing the Popular Party (PP, right opposition) for aligning with the Vox position in three autonomous communities, Sira Rego warned that the Government would not allow 'mass deportation of children.'