SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 9 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Canary Islands’ President, Fernando Clavijo, has expressed that the region “can no longer sustain” the influx of unaccompanied migrant minors arriving on its shores and has called for assistance from the Spanish State and Europe. “The Canary Islands can no longer bear this, partly because we are unable to ensure proper care for these children arriving on our coasts,” stated Clavijo.
During the government’s control session, while responding to queries from six of the seven parliamentary groups regarding the potential changes to the Immigration Law, Fernando Clavijo warned that without the support of the autonomous communities to amend this legislation, the consequences would be “dramatic”, leading to a collapse that highlights the absolute incapacity of the archipelago to provide dignified care for migrant minors.
In his address, the Canary Islands’ President emphasised that discussions with various political parties in Madrid resulted in garnering 172 votes to amend Article 35 of the Immigration Law. He mentioned that all autonomous communities will participate in the solidarity reception of migrant minors arriving in the archipelago, expressing hope for a consensus to be reached at the upcoming Sectoral Conference on Children and Adolescents to be held in Tenerife.
According to Clavijo, Europe has long neglected the African continent and shirked its historical responsibilities towards migration and cooperation and development with Africa. He noted that factors such as famine, climate change, armed conflicts, and political instability have turned the Sahel region into a “ticking time bomb.” Clavijo cited sources from the European Union and the Ministry of the Interior, pointing towards a refugee camp outside Mauritania housing nearly 300,000 people who are in desperate need of assistance.
Fernando Clavijo expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of the State abandoning the islands on migration issues, deeming such a scenario a “societal failure”. He stressed the obligation to collectively respond as a society and not forsake the Canary Islands. Hence, the Government of the Canary Islands, councils, town halls, all political factions with representation in Parliament (except for Vox), and third-sector entities have united to send a resolute message to Europe and the Spanish State: “The Canary Islands can no longer endure this, particularly as we are unable to ensure adequate care for the children arriving on our coasts.”
“Our primary motivation must be the adherence to international treaties, compassion, and respect since these minors could easily be our own children in the future. We are duty-bound to continue working until we can offer these youngsters dignified care. It is essential to understand that this is not merely a political or territorial issue; rather, it is a humanitarian crisis demanding our immediate attention, and that is precisely where our focus lies,” stated Fernando Clavijo, expressing his satisfaction at the widespread bipartisan commitment to this cause.
ENHANCED COLLABORATION AND SYMPATHY.
The Canarian Executive’s leader underscored the necessity of pressuring Europe and the Spanish Government to fulfil their responsibilities and adopt a rational migration policy. However, he cautioned that as long as there remains a “glimmer of hope”, individuals will continue fleeing from hunger and despair. Clavijo urged against demonising these individuals, recognising them as victims of their circumstances. He highlighted the importance of the Sectoral Conference on Children and Adolescents as a platform for fostering collaboration and empathy, aiming to address any lingering concerns including financial aspects from the agreement with the Ministry of Territorial Policy.
Clavijo emphasised the unwavering commitment of all members of the Government of the Canary Islands, including the PP, towards implementing the agreement with the State for accommodating minors across different autonomous communities. He expressed optimism about the prospects for success, attributing it to the collective efforts that have been invested in making this initiative a reality. Clavijo rejected the notion of any alternative course of action as it would signify a failure on the part of Canarian society to provide dignified care for children. He remained hopeful that the resounding call for action heard recently would resonate with decision-makers in Madrid.
A DECADES-LONG JOURNEY.
Raúl Acosta, spokesperson for the Mixed Group, castigated the Spanish Government for taking “over 30 years” to reach an agreement with the Canary Islands on hosting migrant minors, a process that should have been swiftly resolved. Acosta’s remarks underscored the State’s lack of comprehension of the severity of the crisis and the absence of unified solidarity among its territories. He lamented the continued delays in decision-making despite the Canary Islands’ overwhelming burden. The upcoming Sectoral Conference is unlikely to yield significant breakthroughs, as forecasted by Acosta.
Nicasio Galván from the Vox Group alerted to Interior data indicating a potential influx of 70,000 people to the Canary Islands this year with a further 300,000 awaiting the perilous journey across the Atlantic. Galván urged urgent action to avert a foreseeable tragedy, stressing the need to break the vicious cycle perpetuating deaths, criminal activities, and human suffering.
A MAJOR POLICY SHIFT.
Sebastián Franquis, the socialist deputy, identified the imminent Sectoral Conference as a pivotal moment for the Canary Islands, where crucial political decisions must be made. He called upon the Popular Party to shoulder its responsibilities by supporting the Immigration Law amendment and contributing to the Canary Islands’ solidarity efforts. Franquis urged the PP to recognise and embrace its national duty.
Casimiro Curbelo, spokesperson for the Gomera Socialist Group, and NC-Bc deputy Luis Campos expressed pessimism regarding the upcoming Sectoral Conference and subsequent legislative debates in the Congress of Deputies, particularly concerning the anticipated stance of the PP. Conversely, David Toledo from the Canarian Nationalist Group hailed the recent agreement as a testament to prioritising the Canary Islands’ public interest above all else and showcasing a unified Canarian front that the State should aspire to emulate.
