The Canarian president acknowledges that the political climate “does not assist” but assures that they will “continue to strive.”
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Nov. 5 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The head of the Government of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, reiterated this Tuesday the necessity of providing a “boost” to the reform of immigration legislation to facilitate the transfer of unaccompanied migrant minors to other autonomous communities and standardise care protocols.
“We shall not relent,” he conveyed to reporters following a meeting with the general director of Save the Children, Andrés Conde, emphasising that the Executive has consistently felt “supported, advised, understood and heard” by the NGO amidst considerable “political turmoil.”
Clavijo highlighted the implementation of initiatives geared towards “treating minors with dignity and not as commodities” to “listen to them, ascertain their origins, understand their aspirations, and determine if they possess a family network.”
He posits that such guidance can bring about a “structural transformation” in the care of children regarding immigration, which must fundamentally receive a “comprehensive response” across the nation, particularly due to the “depopulated Spain” that necessitates the influx of migrants.
“We are considering 6,000 children whom we need, whom we must educate and integrate into our society, as they will be the ones to enhance our workforce and contributions,” he emphasised.
The President of the Canary Islands believes that “everything has been coordinated” with the Prosecutor’s Office, the General Directorate of Minors, and the State “to provide a more synchronised response,” and his Government will “continue striving” to finalise the legislative changes. “We shall keep fighting to achieve this,” he remarked.
“THERE IS NO POLITICAL WILL”
Clavijo anticipates arriving at the Conference of Presidents with a proposal ready and hopes to forge an agreement with the regional leaders, although he noted that the political context occasionally “does not assist.” Additionally, there must be an “understanding” given the DANA and its devastating impact in Valencia.
Nonetheless, he stated that “if there is any issue warranting political consensus,” it is the care of children; however, he expressed “sadness” that “there is no political will” in Spain to address the matter.
“I cannot conceive of a nobler or, indeed, more honourable cause than providing a future for those children fleeing hunger and death,” he remarked.
Clavijo has underscored the diverse situations affecting migrant minors, including Malians seeking political asylum, girls escaping forced marriages, or others facing persecution due to their sexual orientation, underscoring the necessity for discussions with minors in a tailored manner.
Concerning the €100 million pledged by the central government, he mentioned that he spoke with the Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, this Tuesday and confirmed that the initial €50 million has already been secured in the agreement, while the second tranche is awaiting inclusion or designation as a direct subsidy, but has the backing of the President of the Government and the Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero. “We are all working to ensure they arrive as swiftly as possible,” he affirmed.
