SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 28th June (EUROPA PRESS) –
Lola Padrón, the Ombudsman, has written to all the ombudsmen of the autonomous regions requesting “cooperation” in receiving migrants who have reached the shores of the islands.
Padrón emphasised that this is a crucial issue as the situation in the Canary Islands is “critical.”
“During the past year, we have witnessed a continuous influx of individuals in search of a better and safer future. In February 2021, more than 2,600 minors were in the care of the Canarian children’s protection agency, a number that surpasses our management and attention capabilities,” she stated in a press release.
The Chief Deputy stressed the importance of viewing this situation not only as “a humanitarian dilemma” but also as an “opportunity” for the nation.
“Spain is grappling with a severe depopulation crisis in various rural areas, with virtually deserted territories, schools lacking students, and a rising labour demand. Migrants can play a significant role in addressing these challenges. Indeed, migration has been a pivotal factor in rejuvenating regions facing declining populations, filling workforce gaps, and contributing to the local and national economy,” she remarked.
In this regard, she mentioned that the existing infrastructure and resources in the archipelago “are inadequate to provide a decent and appropriate reception for all these individuals, particularly unaccompanied minors.”
The Chief Deputy also reminded that the government has announced its commitment to amending the Immigration Law to permit the distribution of unaccompanied minors among the autonomous regions, hence appealing for collaborative efforts within their regions to receive migrants arriving in the Canary Islands.
“Spreading out these individuals across the various autonomous regions would ease the burden on our services and facilitate a more efficient and humane integration,” she noted.
