Ángel Gabilondo has described the reception of migrant minors in a centre in Hoya Fría, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as “shocking” and causing “terrible anguish”.
“They are there with no expectations. Initially meant to stay for a few days, they have been there for over two months without a clear path ahead,” he shared with the press, emphasizing the need for “structural efforts” that cannot solely rely on one autonomous community, in this case, the Canary Islands, with around 6,000 minors under guardianship.
He highlighted that many of them are not attending school to the extent that they are unsure of how to occupy their time during the day, as his visit coincided with breakfast time at 10:00 a.m. He questioned the future that awaits them, describing scenes of having breakfast in shifts due to space constraints and queuing to watch television.
Gabilondo also raised concerns about the terminology used, such as “distribution”, in referring to the situation of migrant minors, expressing that it dehumanises them by likening them to commodities to be placed on shelves or in confined spaces.
He acknowledged the limitations of solidarity in addressing the strain on the reception system, stating that solely relying on solidarity will not achieve the desired outcomes. Therefore, he stressed the necessity of legislative reforms to handle the situation more effectively.
According to him, expecting a single community to resolve this issue independently is not feasible.
Gabilondo voiced worries about the education of minors and the identification processes, highlighting the risk that some might remain undocumented even after turning 18 and leaving the reception centres. This raises questions about their future and prospects, he pondered.
As an illustration of pending challenges, he mentioned that approximately 1,000 of the minors on the islands originate from Mali, a country experiencing conflict and famine, necessitating international protection for its populace.
He emphasised the need to create avenues for these individuals to seek asylum under international protection and facilitate their transfer to appropriate centres. While acknowledging ongoing efforts, he stressed the collective responsibility of all autonomous communities, including Ceuta and Melilla, in addressing this transpires “total discomfort.”
He asserted that “reception is distinct from mere collection”, urging the Canarian Government to intensify efforts for long-term improvements, highlighting that this issue is not short-lived.
“A PRESSING MATTER”
“Certainly, additional resources are required. I understand that those in authority always require more resources, and they should be promptly allocated as this is a genuine, urgent matter,” he underlined.
However, he clarified that his visit was not to critique or oversee the regional government’s management of the centres as they function as advisers aiming to enhance care rather than inspectors monitoring compliance.
In reference to the Hoya Fría centre, he pointed out its initial purpose of housing pigeons and its maximum capacity for 50 individuals, emphasising the sudden influx of minors necessitating improvisation and coordination. “It’s a very complex situation,” he conceded.
“The entirety of Spain needs to comprehend that this is a collective concern, and it demands systemic reforms to be undertaken by those accountable. We aren’t dictating to the Parliament, they are aware of what needs to be done; I am merely stressing the imperative to take action,” he concluded.
MIGRANTS AS HUMAN BEINGS
He reiterated that “human rights are not negotiable commodities” and migrants should not be treated as political bargaining chips or sources of discord, particularly when minors are involved. “Enough is enough,” he asserted.
Gabilondo urged for closer interaction with the minors to understand their aspirations, noting that some are reluctant to learn Spanish as they aspire to relocate to another European country, while others wish to pursue careers as mechanics or technicians. However, their situations are challenging as they also face pressures from their families to send money back home, leading to shattered expectations.
Regarding the proposed immigration law reforms, he tempered expectations that they would single-handedly resolve the migration crisis but emphasised the need for adjustments considering the hazardous journeys undertaken by thousands of individuals seeking a better life in Europe amidst dire conditions in Africa.
He highlighted that such issues represent top priorities that necessitate immediate attention, conveying a sense of delayed response to crucial matters.
When questioned about the European asylum and migration pact, he emphasised that a balance must be struck between security and human rights, cautioning that security devoid of human rights is inherently risky, presenting a volatile situation. Therefore, he emphasised that the EU and Spain must adopt a holistic approach beyond border control.
