Valverde (El Hierro), 13 (Europa Press)
The head of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, acknowledged on Thursday that the protocol for unaccompanied migrant minors, which was sanctioned by the Canary Islands Government and subsequently annulled by the Constitutional Court (TC), was a “blow on the table” that allowed for improvements in the reception conditions.
In a conversation with reporters, he highlighted that the protocol had not been implemented because he believed that these children should be handed over identified with a reference number, fitted with a bracelet, and accompanied by a photograph for proper identification, in accordance with international child protection protocols.
Clavijo also expressed support for the Canarian Parliament’s decision to advocate for the establishment of an emergency hospital in El Hierro to accommodate migrants due to an ongoing situation for “eight years”.
He cautioned that the situation could become “unsustainable” if there is a surge in the arrival of Cayucos during the first weekend of July, as it could “jeopardise” transportation, logistics, and healthcare on the island.
Clavijo lamented that “there is no definitive response” from the State and emphasised the need for dialogue, planning, and collaboration with the Government of Spain, as otherwise, the situation will become exceedingly complicated as the year progresses.
Regarding the approval of the Decree Law for the Extraordinary Distribution of 4,500 Migrants from the Canary Islands and Ceuta, he expressed hope to initiate negotiations with congressional groups and the Central Government by the end of the month, either through the decree law or via legislative proposal.
He noted that “there is no obstacle” as the criteria for distribution have already been established, and the only matter left to resolve is financial adequacy, pending a meeting with the Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero—the meeting was cancelled this Wednesday due to illness—and will either be conducted via videoconference this weekend or in person next week.
The Canarian President reiterated that this distribution will provide a “relief of pressure” on the reception network in the Canary Islands and will also safeguard the rights of minors.
