The President of the Canary Islands will present a proposal to distribute minors among all the autonomous communities to Sira Rego on Wednesday
VALVERDE (EL HIERRO), Jan. 30 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The president of the Government of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, insisted on Tuesday that the European Union and the central government provide additional assistance to the migrants arriving on the island of El Hierro after a “dreadful January,” during which 50 boats carrying over 3,500 people docked.
He informed journalists during a visit to the port of La Restinga that he had discussions with members of the security, rescue, and emergency services and emphasized, “The situation is critical.”
Clavijo praised the “institutional collaboration” on the island with the Cabildo and the three town councils, acknowledging that the island’s public services have been under immense pressure following a “dreadful end of the year” due to the influx of numerous boats.
Consequently, he is proposing up to four legislative modifications to the Minister of Youth and Children, Sira Rego, who is visiting the Canary Islands on Wednesday, enabling the transfer of unaccompanied migrant minors to other autonomous communities. Although he advocates for “dialogue,” he stressed the need for presenting “solutions.”
While acknowledging the prompt relocation of adults to Tenerife and subsequently to other parts of Spain, Clavijo highlighted the strain on health workers and requested additional resources.
He emphasized, “We are aware that the European Union is responsible for collaboration, development, and cooperation efforts with the originating countries, but as long as this phenomenon persists, we must manage it.”
The President underscored that it is unfair for the Canary Islands and El Hierro to bear the entire burden and announced the transfer of 75 minors to the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife on Tuesday.
In response to the healthcare demand on the island, a medicalized ambulance has been deployed, and the Association of Retired Doctors has been contacted to provide relief to public workers by dispatching doctors to the island.
Nevertheless, he stressed the necessity for “specific responses” from the Government of Spain and a more resolute reaction from the European Union in the originating countries.
“INACTION IS A DECISION”
Clavijo emphasized that thus far, “the only action” has been from the Government of the Canary Islands, presenting four legislative modifications, and urged the political position of the autonomous communities and political parties.
“Inaction is a decision, and allowing this situation to persist in El Hierro and the Canary Islands is not an option,” he asserted, citing insufficient resources to accommodate unaccompanied minors.
Stressing that they cannot subject the population of El Hierro to such pressure, he emphasized the need for collective action. He also highlighted that legal action would be pursued if any autonomous community declines to assume the responsibility of distributing minors.
Clavijo expressed a desire to avoid a jurisdictional conflict, noting that the current law on minors was not designed to address a phenomenon of this scale, with over 5,600 under the guardianship of the Canarian community, for reasons including guardianship removal or parental death.
“We must provide them with education, teach them the language, and ensure they have life prospects,” he emphasized.
He stated that this is the responsibility of the Government of Spain and asserted that the Canary Islands will not be used as a “political pawn.” “We will not engage in this conflict,” he stated.
