SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 22 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Minister of Social Welfare for the Canary Islands Government, Candelaria Delgado, has defended the movement of unaccompanied migrant minors between the islands, which has sparked concerns from the educational community in certain schools about the current “migration emergency.”
In response to an inquiry from the Socialist Group, she noted that the Government adheres to all applicable legislation and makes decisions with the “best interests” of the minors in mind, acknowledging that their “mass arrival” can result in “minor inconveniences.”
Delgado emphasised that any transfer is aimed at improving the living conditions of the minors and ensuring access to essential services such as education, healthcare, psychological support, along with guaranteeing a secure environment and centre.
She elaborated that the primary consideration is the availability of places in the initial reception centres on the islands where the boats dock, which is an “imperative” issue highlighted by the Prosecutor’s Office, currently affecting Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and El Hierro, as these are the islands receiving the boats.
Regarding transfers within the same province, the minister explained that the duration of the minor’s stay in the reception centre is taken into account, along with their level of educational and social integration; for transfers to different provinces, the resolution of the Prosecutor’s file must also be completed. “Transfers cannot proceed without this being settled,” she explained.
There exists a “deficiency” in adequate infrastructure, both public and private, for the immediate care of minors, often necessitating “emergency transfers” between the islands.
“These transfers are often planned in anticipation of new migrant arrivals, however, the Government considers these factors to guarantee that unaccompanied minors receive suitable care tailored to each case’s unique circumstances, while always upholding their rights,” she stated, once again urging for the “involvement” of the European Union.
Elena Máñez (PSOE) remarked that “children must not be subjected to continual upheaval,” a sentiment echoed by students from various educational institutions who expressed surprise at the abrupt transfers of minors “without prior notice,” leaving them unable to bid farewell to their peers.
MÁÑEZ: “MIGRANT CHILDREN ARE NOT THE ISSUE”
She noted that these issues have a “dual interpretation” as they illustrate that “migrant children are not the problem; they are well integrated into the centres,” yet simultaneously reveal “shortcomings” in how the Regional Government is managing the situation.
She cited the complaint from the Superior Prosecutor’s Office of the Canary Islands regarding 24 migrant minors being held for one to three days in police stations. “This violates the rights of migrant children,” she stated.
Presently, there are reports emerging of minors being transferred to other islands when they are “fully integrated” and without proper consultation. “What has happened to treating migrant children with the dignity they deserve as individuals rather than objects?” she questioned.
Máñez believes there are “alternative approaches” to safeguard the interests of minors, expressing her growing astonishment at the Government’s stance, as “one day the Vice President, Manuel Domínguez, asserts we must explore all options,” even considering the ‘Meloni model,’ while “the next day” referring to article 35.2 of the immigration law, despite knowing that “transfers are not straightforward.”
In her view, the “only feasible solution” currently being discussed is the reform of article 35. However, the Popular Party appears “absent,” failing to engage in meaningful dialogue and instead operating a “machinery” to obscure the “complete ineptitude” of the Vice President in “influencing Genoa sufficiently for them to finally convene and agree on a solution that guarantees rights.”
