Ceuta: European leaders are being called upon to respond with humanity and solidarity to the escalating situation in Ceuta, as well as any increases in arrivals across the EU external borders. The initial response from many European states to the events in Ceuta has raised concerns due to its troubling and potentially dangerous nature.
According to Amnesty International, the recent events should not be manipulated for political gain to tighten or externalize borders, nor should they be used as a pretext to legitimize the EU’s new deportation-focused agenda. The narrative framing the situation in Ceuta as an invasion and perpetuating racist stereotypes must be unequivocally rejected.
Tragically, at least 72 individuals have lost their lives while attempting to enter Europe in search of a better future. European leaders are urged to ensure that their response does not perpetuate discrimination. The distressing scenes observed are attributed to Europe’s persistent efforts to close and externalize its borders rather than investing in safe and regular pathways.
Furthermore, attributing the increase in arrivals to Spain’s regularization scheme, which concluded on June 30, is both baseless and a regrettable attempt to incite fear regarding migration policies that prioritize containment and deportation. Regularization schemes are critical tools for migration management, ensuring affected individuals’ continued access to rights and services. These schemes have been employed by governments across the political spectrum in various European nations over the years.
States bear the responsibility to manage their borders humanely, avoiding placing individuals in harm’s way. Spanish and Moroccan authorities must ensure access to the asylum system for those who seek it, refrain from unlawful collective expulsions, provide immediate humanitarian assistance to those in need, and uphold human rights without discrimination, regardless of the mode of arrival.
Ceuta authorities have reported that over 60,000 people are estimated to have crossed, with approximately 48,000 believed to have returned to Morocco. To support the police and the Guardia Civil, Spain has deployed army units in Ceuta. Reports suggest that thousands of people are currently sleeping on the streets.
Amnesty International has pledged to continue monitoring the situation for any signs of human rights violations, including excessive use of force or breaches of obligations such as non-refoulement.