More than three weeks after the influx of Moroccan migrants into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, the humanitarian situation there remains catastrophic.
Image: Marcos Moreno/Europa Press/IMAGO
On July 30 and 31, approximately 72,000 people fled from Morocco to the Spanish north African exclave of Ceuta — and thus into the EU. The migrants found no food or shelter, and no way to reach the European mainland. As a result, approximately 70,000 returned to Morocco. Just under 2,000 remained and have now been living there for more than three weeks, mostly out in the open.
Image: Marcos Moreno/Europa Press/IMAGO
Many of the people who have remained in Ceuta have settled on the beaches. Even though the photo may give the impression of a relaxed atmosphere, life on the beach is anything but pleasant. Many of the refugees are also living on the streets.
Image: Marcos Moreno/Europa Press/IMAGO
Long lines regularly form on the beaches of Ceuta when the Red Cross distributes food and drinks to the migrants. Many of them are minors traveling without their parents.
Image: Marcos Moreno/Europa Press/IMAGO
The mass arrival of migrants into Ceuta at the end of July also resulted in many deaths. According to official figures, more than 80 people are believed to have died while attempting to reach its shores. Some of these people are being buried in the Spanish exclave.
Image: Antonio Sempere/AP Photo/picture alliance
The deceased were laid on stretchers and wrapped in white cloth at the Muslim cemetery in Ceuta.
Image: Violeta Santos Moura/REUTERS
The migrants’ plight is dire. And residents of Ceuta are also unhappy about the situation. Some of them feel unsafe and have criticized the poor sanitary conditions. They accuse the Spanish government of not doing enough. An emergency shelter was set up after police cleared a makeshift beach camp.
Image: Violeta Santos Moura/REUTERS
The government in Madrid plans to bring about 500 girls — some reportedly only 10 or 11 years old — to the Spanish mainland. Life in Ceuta will not yet return to normal. Some migrants continue to sleep on the beaches or in the streets. Another mass influx from Morocco cannot be ruled out, even though border security has increased.
Image: Violeta Santos Moura/REUTERS7 images1 | 77 imageshttps://p.dw.com/p/5JFbg
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