On August 7, 2026, several non-governmental organizations issued a joint warning about the situation of unaccompanied migrant children in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The NGOs, including Save the Children and the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR), highlighted that these minors are at high risk of maltreatment and exploitation.
According to the organizations, the number of unaccompanied minors arriving in Ceuta has increased significantly in recent months. The children, many fleeing conflict and poverty in North Africa, often face overcrowded reception centers and a lack of adequate legal protection.
The NGOs have called on the Spanish government and the European Union to take urgent measures to ensure the safety and well-being of these children. They emphasize the need for proper identification, guardianship, and access to education and healthcare.
Local authorities in Ceuta have acknowledged the challenges but argue that they are working to improve conditions. However, the NGOs insist that more comprehensive action is needed to prevent abuse and exploitation.
