Moroccan Minors in Ceuta Resist Repatriation, Citing Abuse at Home

Save The Children published on Tuesday the results of 617 interviews conducted with the minors who arrived en masse in Ceuta last May and are being cared for by the local authorities. According to this report, one in three (33.40%) of these minors has suffered physical violence, abuse and ill-treatment in Morocco. As a result, 98.6% of them do not wish to return to the kingdom and more than 23% would be willing to apply for asylum, reports Ceuta al dia. They mostly come from the border towns of Fnideq, M’diq and Tétouan and claim to be children of border workers.

To read: Migrant Children in Ceuta Report Abuse and Violence in Morocco, NGO Finds

"The rights and well-being of migrant minors must be a priority and after 6 months, sustainable solutions are urgently needed for these children," said Catalina Perazzo, director of social advocacy and child policies at Save the Children, noting that many minors have fled the reception centers after the Government Delegation began their repatriation last August.

To read: Ceuta Leader Urges Repatriation of 700 Moroccan Minors After Mass Arrival

The organization insists on the importance of streamlining administrative procedures and taking into account the latest amendments to the immigration text as well as the new deadlines for processing children’s residence permits. It also recalls the need to ensure adequate and professional care for minors in reception centers. Save The Children also believes that it is necessary to conclude bilateral agreements to guarantee the rights of children.