Authorities in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta have started relocating migrants from a makeshift camp on El Trampolín beach to temporary accommodation centers. In the first phase, around 1,700 people are planned to be moved, while more than 3,500 migrants remain on the coast.

The operation began on the morning of August 20. Police are escorting people to prepared temporary reception points, where they will also be registered and identified.

Migrants have been divided into two groups based on their region of origin. Those from sub-Saharan African countries are being sent to the Loma Margarita center, while migrants from North Africa are being directed to the Loma Colmenar area near the Tarajal border crossing. According to authorities, this separation is necessary to prevent potential conflicts after several fights in the camp in recent weeks.

The relocation comes amid the harsh conditions migrants have endured for nearly a month since the mass border crossing on July 30-31. Estimates suggest that between 40,000 and 80,000 people attempted to enter Ceuta then, but most subsequently returned to Morocco.

The temporary centers can initially accommodate about 1,800 people. Spanish authorities promise to expand their capacity, but it is not yet clear where the remaining migrants who do not fit into the new centers will be placed.

The crisis has drawn criticism from the Spanish opposition. Members of the People's Party accuse the government of inaction and believe that authorities are trying to solve the problem with temporary tent camps.

It is worth recalling that after the mass border breach, about a thousand unaccompanied migrant minors remained in Ceuta and are under the protection of Spanish authorities. Overcrowded reception centers are struggling to cope with the influx, forcing some children and adults to sleep on the streets and beaches. Spain has already allocated 25 million euros to help the minors remaining in the enclave.

Source: podrobno.uz