It calls for the implementation of a compulsory distribution among CCAA and asserts that there are youngsters who “fear” adult life because “they are uncertain about their futures”.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 16 January (EUROPA PRESS) –
Amnesty International has dispatched a correspondence to all relevant authorities – regional and central governments as well as political parties – to underscore the importance of upholding the best interests of minors in the centres for migrant children in the Canary Islands, flagging various issues such as the absence of interpreters, free legal assistance, and a lack of coordination.
In a statement, the organisation confirms the “overcrowding” of the 82 facilities in the archipelago, as they are “far beyond their capacity and lacking sufficient human resources and financial means”, without disregarding the “coordination challenges” among diverse institutions, including differing criteria applied by the National Police, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the General Directorate of Children.
“This results in very serious repercussions, both for the rights of children while they remain minors and especially when they must confront adult life. We have spoken to children who dread becoming adults because they are unsure of what lies ahead for them,” declares Virginia Álvarez, head of the Research and Domestic Policy division at Amnesty International Spain.
She opines that the inadequate handling of essential documentation in a timely manner, which would facilitate minors leaving the centres with a residence permit allowing them to work, is among the most pressing concerns for migrant children.
“Upon reaching 18, you have to forge your own path, but how can you if you possess nothing? Many youngsters must vacate the shelter upon turning of age, but they depart with empty hands. I fear this could happen to me as well,” shares Pierre, a 17-year-old from Cameroon who has been in the Canary Islands for over two years after emigrating to support his mother and siblings.
Amil, who arrived in the Canary Islands from Morocco at age 17 at the start of 2023 after his boat was rescued by Salvamento Marítimo, shares a similar apprehension.
He was taken to a juvenile centre, from which he had to leave in October of that same year, receiving only his passport upon departure, as highlighted by Amnesty International.
Consequently, after being homeless, he managed to stay for a few months in the Canarias 50 migrant camp, where the processes for applying for a residence permit began, although at the time of the interview, he was again without a home.
“THE SYSTEM IS ABANDONING THE CHILDREN”
Upon leaving the juvenile centre due to reaching maturity, no one informed him about his administrative circumstances – indeed, his application for a residence permit had already been rejected for being submitted past the deadline – nor that abandoning the centre would lead to the cancellation of his registration and the withdrawal of his health card.
“The system is neglecting these boys and girls, leaving them empty-handed when it comes to achieving their social integration,” laments Virginia Álvarez.
The organisation also asserts that reporting mechanisms should be fortified to ensure they are “accessible and effective” so that minors can reach out to authorities when necessary.
Furthermore, there is a need to enhance oversight of emergency reception facilities, while emphasising that adequate protocols to ensure the referral of children with specific needs—such as trafficking victims, those seeking international protection, and minors facing mental health challenges—are notably lacking.
Amnesty International further posits that a strategy must be developed that incorporates “appropriate and robust” measures to combat racism against unaccompanied minors, particularly when it stems from local authorities or political figures.
In this context, it cautions against the singling out and stigmatisation of minors in various settings, including within some health institutions by their staff, or facing xenophobic pressures to cease their care.
“The autonomous communities have yet to acknowledge their duty regarding the reception of these boys and girls for two years, as mandated by international agreements. Authorities and political parties must urgently implement a binding and equitable distribution proposal to ensure appropriate reception for all foreign children under any administration’s guardianship,” states Esteban Beltrán, director of Amnesty International Spain.
4,700 IN THE ISLANDS BY YEAR-END
According to statistics from the State Attorney General’s Office, as of 31 December 2023, there were 12,878 unaccompanied minors registered across Spain, with 4,700 being in the Canary Islands’ reception network, accounting for 36.5% of the national total.
Moreover, by August 2024, only 192 boys and girls had been transferred from the Canary Islands to other autonomous communities.
The Canary Islands Government has informed Amnesty International that to mitigate this situation, new plans and actions are being initiated to enhance the reception of migrant children, which include staff training within reception facilities to better identify vulnerabilities and children needing international protection, with 200 million euros earmarked for these improvements.
They have also asserted that they are collaborating on a joint plan with associated entities for the review and enhancement of protocols, and in November, the directorate’s team was augmented by 20 individuals, including ten with a technical background in child services, as noted by Amnesty.
Nonetheless, the organisation insists on ensuring effective legal protection for minors and dismissing their repatriation to Morocco; ensuring proper identification and a uniform age verification protocol; facilitating asylum and a pathway to integration; providing adequate financial resources to the Canary Islands; establishing accessible reporting mechanisms for minors; bolstering health services in El Hierro; combating racism and discrimination; and endorsing mandatory distribution across all communities.
