Spain's Minister of Youth and Children, Sira Rego, stated on Monday that the majority of unaccompanied foreign minors currently in Ceuta wish to remain in Spain and will not be returned to Morocco. She emphasized that these minors have the right to stay on Spanish territory if they so choose, in accordance with Spanish law and international obligations regarding the protection of minors.
Rego's remarks come amid ongoing debates over the management of unaccompanied minors in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, a territory on the North African coast that has faced significant migration pressures in recent years. The Spanish government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the well-being and legal protection of these children, many of whom arrive after perilous journeys.
Under Spanish regulations, unaccompanied minors are entitled to legal guardianship and cannot be summarily deported. They are typically placed in specialized reception centers while authorities assess their situation. The minister's statement underscores the government's position that the best interests of the child should guide all decisions regarding their future.
Moroccan authorities have not issued an immediate response to Rego's comments. The issue of unaccompanied minors remains a sensitive topic in Spain-Morocco relations, with both countries working to manage migration flows while respecting human rights. The Spanish government continues to call for a coordinated European response to migration challenges.
