Rabat – NGOs estimate the number of minors still not identified in Ceuta at 4,000 following the mass crossings in July.
Save the Children, an international humanitarian organization focused on children’s rights and welfare, said the number is only an estimate, with EFE citing the difficulty of locating all minors who remain in the city.
The report warned of a lack of safe places or adequate access to basic services.
Spanish Minister of Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska estimates those who are within the protection system at over 1,500.
But NGOs, including Save the Children, warned that some minors remain in a dire situation and are exposed to different forms of violence, especially girls who are subject to sexual violence, exploitation, or trafficking.
“We cannot wait any longer to put them to safety,” Jennifer Zuppiroli, Save the Children’s migration specialist, said.
EFE said associations and social organizations are setting up shelters and providing food amid a lack of resources.
The report comes as authorities in Spain initially estimated the number of people remaining in Ceuta at 5,000, including minors.
Morocco is now urging authorities in Spain to assume responsibility and speed up the process of returning minors.
Marlaska on Thursday told journalists that authorities processed and completed 500 applications for international asylum sought by adults.
However, most of the processes resulted in “unfavorable decisions.”
He warned that anyone found in an irregular situation will be returned as soon as possible, stating that those who remain hidden to avoid identification will be located.
Spain is also pledging to continue reinforcing security control, especially amid calls urging for a new crossing on August 15.
Morocco said it arrested several people involved in disseminating similar social media content and also reinforced security border control, emphasizing that its security readiness is not limited to any date.
