Rabat – Spanish police said they have identified 528 minors among those who entered Ceuta as part of the mass crossing that took place last Thursday.
EFE quoted Miguel Ángel Pérez, Spain’s government representative in Ceuta, who said authorities are prioritizing the identification of unaccompanied minors, who are staying in shelters.
More minors have yet to be identified, he said, adding that many are still on the streets, causing a major concern for the Spanish enclave.
Ceuta authorities are also considering opening public schools to accommodate girls, stating that the decision to use the facilities’ was not a move from the Spanish government.
The Ceuta government asked for their use as reception centers as they have no more capacity to accommodate people. EFE said authorities are also concerned as the schools’ use is temporary due to the school season beginning in September.
Spain also insists the entries during the mass crossing are estimated at over 70,000, despite Morocco emphasizing that its assessment shows the number that crossed into Ceuta is approximately 40,000, while a little over 1,000 headed to Melilla.
Last Sunday, Morocco said the crossings were the result of several factors, including the exploitation of digital platforms, emphasizing that the incident is neither the result of temporary circumstances nor spontaneous developments.
Several Spanish reports said deleted TikTok posts and accounts spread misinformation about an alleged Spanish border opening and easy trips to Ceuta by swimming, triggering the mass attempts.
A Moroccan government source also responded to the criticism and campaigns targeting Morocco. Combating irregular migration should be a shared responsibility, stressed the Moroccan official, rejecting claims that Rabat is Europe’s policeman or concierge.
Morocco also stressed its commitment to spare no effort in contributing to addressing the crisis, as it has been doing for years, as a reliable partner recognized by many international partners.
