Title: The massive influx of African migrants to the Canaries: a worrying situation
Introduction :
The Canary Islands are facing an unprecedented migration crisis, with increasing numbers of African migrants arriving on its shores. Nearly 1,500 people arrived this weekend alone, bringing the total to 27,000 since the start of the year. This situation is putting a strain on the emergency services of the Spanish archipelago, who find themselves overwhelmed and facing major logistical challenges.
The weight of arrivals:
Since October, more than 10,000 migrants, mainly from Senegal, have been welcomed on the island of Tenerife. Unfortunately, reception centers are saturated and many migrants find themselves left to their own devices, without any legal assistance. This situation raises questions about respect for the rule of law and highlights a failure of the authorities to manage this migration crisis.
Logistical challenges:
Spanish authorities are facing several logistical problems linked to the massive influx of migrants. First of all, the Senegalese government no longer respects the treaty which would allow their return, which complicates the management of their return. In addition, the distribution of migrants in reception centers is becoming increasingly difficult, leading to saturation of existing infrastructure.
Difficulties encountered by migrants:
Senegalese migrants who arrive in the Canaries face many challenges. Many of them are left to their own devices once they are released from reception centers, because they are in an irregular situation and do not have the right to work. In addition, they cannot travel to the continent by plane, which restricts their freedom of movement within the national territory. This precarious situation highlights the risks and difficulties these migrants face.
The role of interpreters and lawyers:
Interpreters play a vital role in assisting migrants arriving in the Canaries. They help translate the needs and complex administrative situations of migrants, who often find themselves undocumented and facing language comprehension problems. However, the lack of interpreters remains a major challenge, as does the lack of lawyers to defend migrants’ rights.
Conclusion :
The migration crisis in the Canary Islands highlights the challenges faced by both migrants and Spanish authorities. It is becoming urgent to find lasting solutions to manage this situation in a humane manner that respects human rights. It is essential to increase the resources available, particularly in terms of interpreters and lawyers, to ensure adequate assistance to migrants and prevent any violation of the rule of law.