Call for “effective” national and European strategies to tackle the migrant crisis
VALVERDE (EL HIERRO), 24th February (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo, has urged collaboration from the Regional Governments (CCAA) in accommodating over 5,500 unaccompanied migrant minors who have reached the Canary Islands via boats and small boats, stressing that the responsibility cannot fall solely on the archipelago.
He emphasised the need for “effective” national and international strategies to address the migration crisis that the Canary Islands have been experiencing due to the continuous arrival of irregular vessels.
“There must be a unified approach to this issue. It transcends political ideologies, goes beyond divisions and party lines,” he remarked in statements shared with the press during a visit to El Hierro, the primary entry point for small boats to the Canary Islands in recent months.
Specifically, during the day, Gabilondo visited a centre for migrant minors, a Temporary Reception Centre for Foreigners (CATE), the Nuestra Señora de Los Reyes Hospital, and the port of La Restinga to observe firsthand the reception process for migrants arriving on the islands.
Accompanying Gabilondo on his visit were the Government delegate in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana; the Minister of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Children and Family of the Canary Islands, Maria Candelaria Delgado; the Vice President of the Cabido of El Hierro, Ana González; the second deputy of the Ombudsman, Patricia Bárcena, and the Common Deputy, Rafael Yanes.
Highlighting the critical nature of the situation faced by unaccompanied migrant minors, the Ombudsman has called on other regional communities to aid in the reception and care of these minors.
“We must persist in finding solutions to address the plight of unaccompanied foreign boys and girls. This is a shared concern: one that extends to all regional communities and other European nations,” he asserted.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of enhancing emergency resources, legal support, and expediting transfers to alleviate the strain on resources in the archipelago.
