Ikram, a 17-year-old Moroccan, shared with CBC that she had briefly found shelter in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave. After enduring weeks of homelessness in various places, she had stayed with a family for three days before the opportunity ended. In late July, she had left Fnideq, Morocco, along with thousands of others seeking a passage to Ceuta for a shot at a better life in Europe.
Most of the migrants who arrived in Ceuta during the surge quickly returned to Morocco, but approximately 5,000 individuals, as stated by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, remained. Among them were hundreds of unaccompanied minors, like Ikram, facing precarious living conditions.
According to Save the Children Spain’s migration specialist, Jennifer Zuppiroli, the Spanish Ministry of the Interior had registered 2,500 children and adolescents in Ceuta, although the actual count might be higher. Spain’s Minister for Youth and Children, Sira Rego, highlighted the presence of numerous minors under 13, with around 700 being girls, emphasizing the need for protection services.
Ikram, who had attempted to reach Ceuta previously, recounted her recent journey where she almost perished while crossing the border. Despite the challenges, she expressed her determination to stay in Ceuta to secure a better future for her family.
The situation in Ceuta has drawn attention due to the plight of unaccompanied minors, with reports of minors facing harsh conditions on the streets. Tensions escalated recently with demonstrations against migrants, and incidents of violence involving security forces and migrants, including Abdo, a 17-year-old migrant who faced mistreatment from Spanish soldiers.
In the midst of the turmoil, efforts are being made to provide temporary accommodations for some migrants. However, with limited resources and rising hotel prices, the future remains uncertain for many like Ikram and her fellow migrants seeking stability in Ceuta.