Spanish Interior Minister Defends Return of Moroccan Minors as Legal Reunification

"They wanted to return to their country," the Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, said on Monday, adding that the operation poses no legal problem. "This is not an expulsion. The Ministry of the Interior is only providing assistance for the reunification of minors to proceed with their repatriation or assisted return within a regulatory framework," he explained.

To read: UN Condemns Morocco’s Deportation of Unaccompanied Minors as Violation of International Law

"It is Ceuta that is in charge of the guardianship of these minors and it is she who is requesting the application of the 2007 agreement for the assisted and arranged return of minors with the authorities, with the exception of vulnerable minors. This requires caution and transparency," Marlaska stressed, recalling that the returns have been taking place for three days, "with a staff of 15 minors per day, or 45 in total".

To read: Spain Begins Repatriation of Unaccompanied Minors to Morocco from Ceuta

The Interior Minister also maintains that the safety of the minors is assured. "Their rights will be guaranteed in their social, cultural and family environment, by the authorities of Ceuta, the Moroccan authorities and the competent bodies for the protection of children," Marlaska specified, assuring that no minor has been repatriated by force. "The minors wanted to return to their country. The best interests of the minor are guaranteed. They all entered in May. They have no ties in Spain," he clarified.

To read: NGOs Condemn Illegal Deportation of Unaccompanied Minors from Ceuta, Citing Rights Violations

"All the institutions are interested in the integrity of the minor. This is what matters to us, what is relevant and determines our way of acting. We are taking all appropriate measures. This is a three-month job. Ceuta has acquired guardianship of all unaccompanied minors who have entered irregularly. The minors are separated according to their situation," he specified, also stating that the juvenile judge was informed of the operation.