SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 21st Aug (EUROPA PRESS) –
The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has indicated that both the President of Galicia, Alfonso Rueda, and the President of Castile and León, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, have offered to accommodate more unaccompanied juvenile migrants than those initially agreed upon at the most recent Sectoral Conference on Children and Adolescents held in Tenerife, should it be necessary.
This was conveyed on Wednesday in a statement to the press, where he added that although some autonomous communities are progressing more quickly while others are slower, generally the established protocol for relocating over 400 young migrants to other regions of the country is being adhered to, with hopes of this number rising to approximately 600.
In this context, he elucidated that the Canary Islands are also facing numerous challenges. “A month ago, we approved the addition of 39 temporary officials to help clear the backlog of cases,” he noted, recalling that between September and December of the previous year alone, the archipelago welcomed 7,998 individuals under the age of 18, which overwhelmed the system.
“We cannot exist in a state of emergency,” he emphasised, “this is a structural issue, and the Canary Islands Government Council has already sanctioned the hiring of staff to provide an adequate administrative framework and resolve cases, permits, paperwork… many children are turning 18 but lack the necessary documentation.”
He highlighted that many of these youngsters, upon reaching adulthood and without documentation, are unable to find work or even board a flight to leave the Canary Islands.
THE PRESIDENTS ARE “COLLABORATORS”
“I must mention,” continued the Canary Islander, “that the presidents I have engaged with are highly collaborative. For instance, regarding Mañueco, he expressed, ‘if you can send me more, please do, as we have the capacity to accommodate them here.’
He also referenced Galicia, with President Rueda, whom he spoke with during the summer, indicating he would have no issue accepting more young people than initially agreed upon. “He remarked, ‘listen, this is what we have settled, but if it’s more, feel free to send us additional ones,'” stated Clavijo.
However, he noted that this is a matter that is “awakening consciences” and that the public is starting to realise that it is not just young people who contribute and work that are needed but that a civilised response must be afforded to these youths, with the hope that eventually around 600 of them will be able to leave the Canary Islands.
