SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 8th Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The factions in parliament, excluding Vox, the regional administrations, local authorities and Non-Governmental Organisations in the Canary Islands have backed the proposal to revise the Immigration Law to ensure fair treatment of migrant minors by the autonomous regions. This support extends to all efforts by the Canary Islands Government to provide a welcoming environment and ensure adequate care for minors.
In a press statement following the agreement signing, the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, expressed gratitude for the “overwhelming show of support, awareness and, most importantly, dedication” from the regional leaders, the Canary Islands Federation of Municipalities (Fecam), NGOs engaged in migrant support in the archipelago, and parliamentary representatives.
Clavijo emphasised that today has demonstrated unity in the Canary Islands in response to a true humanitarian crisis, the challenge of safeguarding children’s rights, and the necessity of providing a First World response to the pressing issue of migration, particularly concerning unaccompanied minors reaching their shores. He underscored that a resounding message is being sent that the Canary Islands cannot endure this any longer.
The regional leader stated that the autonomous community requires a national response to protect children’s interests in line with various international agreements. “With this message, we will be present at the Sectoral Conference on Children and Adolescents next Wednesday and whenever necessary because there is no higher priority than responding to children embarking on perilous journeys,” he added.
The Canary Islands’ government head deemed the response of developed nations to the migration crisis as inadequate. Therefore, he reiterated his appreciation to the signatories of the commitment agreement for striving to provide the “respectful response that these children arriving on our shores deserve.”