Canary Islands' Migrant Minor Repatriation Plan Sparks Political Backlash

The Canary Islands government's proposal to transfer the care of unaccompanied migrant minors to Morocco has ignited a fierce debate over immigration policy and human rights. Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, recently defended the controversial plan to repatriate minors from Morocco and Senegal, arguing it would "guarantee them a future" with their families.

Clavijo's stance has drawn sharp criticism from the left-wing party Podemos Canarias, which expressed "total disagreement" with the proposal. The party condemned the plan as a dangerous shift that disregards human rights and uses minors as instruments of migration control.

Noemí Santana, regional coordinator and national deputy for Podemos, emphasized the inhumanity of using children and adolescents as tools for managing migration flows. "No matter how much the Canarian Coalition and the Popular Party may dislike it, no solution can override fundamental human rights," Santana stated.

Podemos accused the Canary government of aligning with externalization policies promoted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and supported by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for return centers outside the EU. The party argues that this strategy is merely a way to evade responsibility for migration management.

The proposed plan comes in the wake of a meeting between Clavijo and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat on October 8, where the possibility of entrusting Morocco with the care of migrant minors was discussed. Government sources reveal that approximately 800 of the 5,600 children under the care of the Canary Islands regional government are Moroccan nationals.

Podemos Canarias is calling for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of unaccompanied minors, advocating for improved integration programs and support services within Spain. The party stresses the importance of prioritizing the best interests of the child, as mandated by international conventions.

This debate in the Canary Islands echoes broader discussions within the European Union about migration management. The recent Italy-Albania agreement, which allows for the processing of asylum claims in Albania for migrants intercepted at sea by Italian authorities, has sparked interest from other European countries grappling with rising irregular migration.

However, the approach has been met with mixed reactions across Europe. While some view it as an innovative solution to address migration challenges, others, like German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz, express skepticism about its effectiveness for larger countries.

As EU member states continue to navigate the complex issues surrounding migration, balancing humanitarian obligations with border control concerns, the debate over externalization of asylum processing and the treatment of unaccompanied minors remains a contentious and evolving topic in European politics.