The Canary Islands is facing a migrant crisis with 5,600 children stuck on the archipelago with nowhere to go.
Hundreds of people have been arriving on the shores of the Canary Islands since the middle of last year, with many being minors, according to local media.
Population growth, climate change, armed conflicts and poverty are said to be among the main factors forcing migrants to make the perilous journey from sub-Saharan African countries to the Atlantic archipelago.
The situation has reached the point where the Canary Islands’ government has urged Spain to take some of the migrants.
Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the Canary Islands government, said there have been “enough excuses” and Madrid must offer a “solid” response to the crisis.
The Canary Islands government is seeking support from Madrid and Spain‘s parliament for a proposal to make it obligatory to share unaccompanied migrant minors between the whole country and its autonomous regions.
The Canary Islands administration, which says it is “overwhelmed” by an “unprecedented” situation, acts as guardian of migrant minors.
But local media reports that not since a migrant crisis in 2006 have so many unaccompanied minors arrived on the islands.
More than 5,600 young people are housed across 72 facilities, according to the Canary Islands Government’s Department of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Children and Families.
The regional government asked Madrid for help in October, but Mr Cabello, quoted by news website Tiempo de Canarias, said none of the 347 migrants Spain agreed to take have left the islands.
Tiempo de Canarias reports that during the 2006 crisis, several hundred migrant minors were taken in by other regions, but impacts from the Covid pandemic mean the situation is more difficult this time.
Officials in the Canary Islands have now appealed to Brussels for help. But Candelaria Delgado, Minister for Social Welfare, said of efforts in general: “We don’t make any progress.”
The minister acknowledged the government has “serious difficulties” finding suitable homes for the children and is working with island authorities to release resources and properties for the reception and care of migrant minors.
