Migrants arriving in the Canary Islands often bring with them harrowing stories of survival. Healthcare workers responding to these new arrivals often face difficult dilemmas as they attempt to assess the needs of the children and adults they encounter. Sometimes, the cries of small children pierce the air, prompting health care professionals to discern whether the tears stem from illness, injury, or, as all too often happens, sheer shock.
A recent incident involved a young Senegalese boy who fainted repeatedly shortly after disembarking. Medical staff struggled to understand his condition until other migrants finally revealed the harrowing truth: he had witnessed his parents die during the perilous journey from West Africa, their bodies thrown overboard into the Atlantic Ocean. As Dr. Inmaculada Mora Peces, an emergency physician on El Hierro, noted, "In the face of such trauma, we have no medicine."
Dr. Mora Peces is among many advocating for support as the Canary Islands grapple with an overwhelming number of unaccompanied minors arriving from countries like Senegal and Mali, fleeing poverty and conflict. The Spanish parliament is set to vote on a proposal aimed at reforming immigration laws to share the responsibility for these minors across other regions of the country, as the current situation has led to inadequate care and facilities for those stuck in precarious conditions.
However, this proposal faces political pushback, specifically from the Popular Party, which is torn between its role in the regional government of the Canaries and pressure from far-right parties like Vox, who are staunchly against any moves that might aid undocumented immigrants, especially minors.
Under Spanish law, the regions where these children land are responsible for their welfare. Yet, the authorities in the Canary Islands report they are overwhelmed, caring for over 5,500 minors, far surpassing their capacity of 2,000. Francisco Candil, the regional deputy for social welfare, referred to the situation as a "humanitarian tragedy."
The European Union has attempted to stem the influx through agreements with countries like Mauritania, but the reality remains grim as nearly 20,000 people, including women and children, have arrived in the Canary Islands this year alone—an increase of 160% compared to the previous year. Concerns are growing especially for younger children, including girls traveling alone, as many flee forced marriages or abusive situations.
The regional government struggles not just with overcrowding but with recruiting trained professionals to provide the necessary support. Reports have surfaced about overcrowded centers and instances of abuse, leaving thousands of young migrants without access to education or healthcare.
The challenges are compounded by a political landscape that sometimes dehumanizes these migrants. Dr. Mora Peces has expressed her dismay at the derogatory language used by some politicians, who label migrants as criminals without recognizing their humanity and the trauma they have endured.
As the situation continues to evolve, calls for urgent legal and structural reforms grow louder. The plight of these children, as evident from their harrowing journeys, underscores the necessity of compassion and action. The debate around the appropriate response reflects broader societal attitudes towards migration and humanitarian responsibility.
For further information on migrant support initiatives in Europe, you can visit organizations like UNHCR or Save the Children, which address these pressing issues.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/america/mundo/2024/07/23/el-drama-de-los-ninos-migrantes-que-llegan-a-las-canarias-sin-sus-padres-y-lloran-sin-parar-en-el-refugio/
