By Akpokona Omafuaire
THE International Organization for Migration, IOM, has expressed concern on the unprecedented arrival of an estimated 9,000 migrants in Spain’s Ceuta enclave between Monday and Wednesday (17-19 May).
IOM Director General António Vitorino in a statement said that about 1,500 children between the ages of seven and fifteen were among those who crossed into Ceuta in the span of 48 hours.
He worries that while many have already been returned through family reunification and tracing assistance, some 800 remain accommodated in a warehouse in Ceuta.
He said the Organization encourages the ongoing efforts to provide assistance to minors and maintains that best interest of the child and protection safeguards must be the guiding principles in identifying solutions for them.
He said the Organization encourages the ongoing efforts to provide assistance to minors and maintains that best interest of the child and protection safeguards must be the guiding principles in identifying solutions for them.
He reassured that IOM stands ready to support Spanish authorities in providing children with the needed tailored assistance, in coordination with partners on the ground.
According to him, “Our response has to prioritize the safety of people and guarantee access to protection and other forms of assistance regardless of the reasons that forced or prompted them to move.
“For migration management and the response to the needs of people on the move to be effective, collaboration and dialogue between host, transit and origin countries should be maintained.”
He added that IOM recognizes the longstanding cooperation between Spain and Morocco and their mutual efforts to improve migration governance and encourages further efforts in this regard.
Vitorino said that about 26,400 people have arrived in the European Union via Mediterranean Sea routes since the beginning of 2021.
According to him, “Our response has to prioritize the safety of people and guarantee access to protection and other forms of assistance regardless of the reasons that forced or prompted them to move.
“For migration management and the response to the needs of people on the move to be effective, collaboration and dialogue between host, transit and origin countries should be maintained.”
He added that IOM recognizes the longstanding cooperation between Spain and Morocco and their mutual efforts to improve migration governance and encourages further efforts in this regard.
Vitorino said that about 26,400 people have arrived in the European Union via Mediterranean Sea routes since the beginning of 2021.
He added that while the numbers have increased compared to the same period last year, IOM believes the arrivals are manageable through better migration governance, including increased pathways for safe and dignified migration, and improved solidarity mechanisms amongst EU Member States as outlined in the currently discussed European Pact on Asylum and Migration.
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