The Canary Islands, a popular vacation destination off the coast of West Africa, are facing a burgeoning crisis that has prompted officials to request a state of emergency. This stems from a significant increase in migrant arrivals, primarily by sea, placing immense strain on the islands' resources and infrastructure.
Last year alone, approximately 47,000 individuals reached Spanish shores via small boats, a testament to the desperation driving people to undertake perilous journeys across the Atlantic. Compounding the challenge, the number of unaccompanied minors arriving has far exceeded the islands' capacity to provide adequate care and shelter.
The influx of migrants isn't just a logistical challenge; it's a humanitarian one. These are individuals, often fleeing conflict, poverty, or persecution, seeking a better life in Europe. They arrive tired, vulnerable, and in need of immediate assistance. The Canary Islands, as the first point of contact, are struggling to cope with the sheer volume of arrivals.
From January 1st to May 15th of this year, over 10,882 people have already made the journey to the islands. The Spanish government acknowledges the struggle to ensure the safety and well-being of all migrants, particularly the numerous young children among them.
To put the situation into perspective, the Canary Islands have a recognized capacity to house 1,737 unaccompanied migrant children. However, the current number of minors on the archipelago has surged to a staggering 5,017. This immense disparity highlights the urgent need for additional resources and support.
The geographical location of the Canary Islands makes them a frequent destination for migrants departing from West African countries. The relatively short distance across the Atlantic, compared to other routes into Europe, has made the islands a focal point for migration flows.
The formal request for a migration emergency declaration underscores the severity of the situation. This declaration is intended to unlock resources and facilitate policy changes necessary to address the growing crisis effectively.
Reportedly, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a decree last week to address the concerns, and the Ministry of Youth and Children is poised to officially declare the emergency. This declaration will enable the activation of reforms to the Immigration Law, potentially leading to the transfer of unhoused minors from the Canary Islands to the Spanish mainland.
Fernando Clavijo, the president of the Canary Islands, has emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "There are no longer any excuses to begin this process." He stressed the importance of adhering to proper procedures to ensure the safety, health, and care of the children.
The Spanish government has acknowledged the significant increase in immigrant arrivals on the Canary Islands as a "security risk." The surge in arrivals creates "situations of serious danger to public order," according to Tragsa, a company working with the Ministry of Social Security and Migration.
Tragsa's report highlighted the unprecedented increase in arrivals since the latter part of 2023, requiring immediate action to provide basic necessities and comprehensive care services. The report also notes the ongoing influx of migrants from Africa and emphasizes the need for infrastructure to manage the flow without causing catastrophic situations or serious danger.
Despite the concerns, it's important to note that the number of migrant arrivals is actually lower compared to the same period in 2023. Between January 1st and May 15th of 2023, a staggering 16,586 migrants arrived, nearly 6,000 more than this year, according to data from Spain's Ministry of the Interior. Overall, migrant arrivals in Spain have decreased by over 5,500.
While the numbers might be down compared to last year, the underlying issues remain pressing. One of the most significant concerns is the tragic loss of life as migrants attempt the perilous journey to reach Spanish shores.
Caminando Fronteras, a Spanish non-governmental organization, estimates that over 9,000 migrants died during their journeys in the past 12 months. This grim statistic underscores the desperation and risks associated with irregular migration routes.
The migrant crisis isn't confined to Spain; it's a global challenge with implications for countries across Europe and beyond. The UK, for example, is grappling with a sharp increase in migration, particularly through small boat crossings across the English Channel.
The influx of asylum seekers has placed immense pressure on the UK's asylum system, with thousands housed in hotels at a significant cost to taxpayers. This situation has sparked protests from local communities and fueled debates about immigration policy.
The UK government is exploring various measures to address the situation, including agreements with France. Across Europe, migration policies are becoming stricter amid the growing influence of anti-migration political parties.
In the midst of the debate about migration and asylum, it’s important to remember that behind the statistics are individual stories. People are fleeing their homes for many complex reasons – war, political oppression, persecution, environmental degradation, and poverty. It's crucial to uphold human dignity and international law when addressing the challenges of migration.
The Canary Islands serve as a microcosm of the broader migration challenges facing Europe. The islands’ limited resources are increasingly strained by the near-daily arrival of migrants. In response, local governments and residents are expressing growing frustration.
Elsewhere in Europe, Italy has signed a controversial deal with Albania to process migrants outside the EU. Poland, Hungary, and Croatia have strengthened their borders to stem the flow of migrants. Portugal has also tightened its borders.
One of the most devastating examples of the human cost of migration is the recent boat capsize off the coast of Mauritania. At least 69 people lost their lives in this tragedy, highlighting the inherent dangers of these journeys. Coastguards continue to search for dozens of missing passengers who were headed towards Spain's Canary Islands.
The situation in the Canary Islands is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted response. Addressing the root causes of migration, providing safe and legal pathways for migration, and ensuring humane treatment of migrants are all essential components of a comprehensive solution.
The surge of illegal migrants continues with beaches across Majorca, Ibiza and Tenerife filling up with migrants.