Spain: Human Rights Must Guide Response to Ceuta Migrant Arrivals

Spanish and Moroccan authorities are facing calls to prioritize human rights and the principle of non-refoulement following the crossing of an estimated 60,000 people into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. According to Amnesty International, 43 people have died during these crossings, which included thousands of children.

Spain has responded to the influx by deploying army units to Ceuta to provide support to the Guardia Civil and national police. Reports indicate that thousands of the arrivals are currently sleeping on the streets of the enclave.

Amnesty International Demands Human Rights Protections

Beltrán emphasized that the scale of the arrivals and the specific circumstances of the crossings should not override international legal protections.

“The large number of people arriving in Ceuta and the circumstances of crossings must not distract from the fact that under international law, the principle of non-refoulement is absolute and collective expulsions are prohibited in all cases.”

Esteban Beltrán, Director of Amnesty International Spain

The principle of non-refoulement prohibits states from returning individuals to a country where they would be at risk of persecution, torture, or other serious human rights violations. Beltrán called on authorities to ensure that anyone requesting asylum is granted access to the legal system, regardless of how they arrived in the territory.

Concerns Over Use of Force and Medical Care

Amnesty International is monitoring the situation for evidence of human rights violations during border control operations. Specifically, the organization is looking for reports of excessive use of force by the security forces deployed to the enclave.

Beltrán stated that Spanish authorities have a responsibility to deploy adequate social care and healthcare resources. He noted that these resources are critical to meeting the needs of children and other individuals at an increased risk of human rights violations.

The organization also called for measures to prevent discriminatory impacts in the government’s response, specifically regarding children and racialized people. Beltrán explicitly condemned the spread of racist rhetoric surrounding the event.

Security Deployment in Ceuta

Ceuta authorities estimate that more than 60,000 people have crossed into the enclave. To manage the volume of arrivals and maintain order, the Spanish government has integrated military personnel with the Guardia Civil and police forces.

The current humanitarian situation is marked by thousands of migrants remaining without permanent shelter. Amnesty International has stated it will continue to monitor the border for any violations of international law, including the prohibition of collective expulsions.