SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE Jan. 16 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Common Deputy, Lola Padrón, expressed her sorrow this Thursday over the tragic loss of at least 50 migrants who perished while attempting to reach the islands aboard a cayuco, as reported by the NGO Caminando Fronteras on its official ‘X’ account.
Padrón stated that this situation is “a severe setback,” which “intensifies” the need for “immediate” action in response to the current crisis, emphasising that “we cannot continue to turn a blind eye.”.
“It is heartbreaking; we cannot be a prison, nor can the Atlantic serve as Africa’s graveyard. We once again urge for a response as human rights are being infringed upon, and that is unacceptable,” asserted the Common Deputy.
Concurrently, Padrón discussed a recent meeting with Francisco Barreto Rodríguez and Francisco Elías Martín Martín, the president and first vice president of the Union of Neighbourhood Associations of the Canary Islands (U.AVC), respectively, to hear their concerns regarding unaccompanied migrant minors.
Among various matters, she urged the Government to ensure that these individuals arriving in the Canary Islands receive the necessary protection and support to build a dignified and secure future on the islands.
Padrón, who has consistently advocated for compliance with the European Pact on migration issues, attended the presentation of the representatives from the neighbourhood.
“We recognise our current reality and the gateway from the Canary Islands facilitating migration from African nations to Europe. However, we cannot accept the neglect of duties by the institutions meant to assist and provide support,” she stated.
Barreto remarked that the conversation should not solely revolve around allocating minors across various autonomous communities to ease the migratory strain that the Canary Islands face, “as our politicians have been unable to reach consensus on this issue, since coercion and party interests take precedence over the welfare and compassion towards these children amid this humanitarian crisis.”
The Common Deputy expressed her solidarity with the association and reiterated her commitment to initiating policies that will “trigger an urgent action protocol.”
“As I have stated in various interventions, the migratory phenomenon will remain a reality on our islands, and we must seek viable solutions,” she affirmed.
TRANSFER OF PETITIONS TO THE OMBUDSMAN
The association’s coalition has, in turn, requested the Deputy to relay a formal appeal to the Ombudsman, “as this is a national concern.”
“We will proceed with this—your requests will be communicated to Ángel Gabilondo, as we recognise the importance of civil society uniting in this battle,” Padrón highlighted.
She also emphasised the “essential” role of neighbourhood associations, stating that this is not merely a humanitarian concern, as “we are addressing the rights of human beings, particularly vulnerable unaccompanied minors, and therefore, they must be embraced by an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming society.”
Barreto added that “finding a solution to this pressing reality is an extremely high-priority state matter.”
He mentioned that through this, “we will not only address irregular immigration, which benefits the mafias while leading many desperate migrants to risk their lives at sea in search of hope that has been denied to them.”
Alongside the immediate need for coordination between governments and relevant organisations, the association’s coalition advocates for increased resources and the implementation of specific programmes that offer training and language adaptation.
Additionally, there is a call for respect for the cultural diversity and family backgrounds of these individuals, alongside efforts to bolster public sensitivity to prevent racist or xenophobic incidents.
