The migrants’ crisis in Spain’s territory of Ceuta has been getting darker since more than a dozen women who crossed Ceuta en masse on July 30 said that they sleep in the open air near the state-administered migrants’ reception center with hundreds of others. Report on the Ceuta migrants’ crisis by Reuters.
As the authorities failed to cope with such an influx of people, it is difficult for women to go out, even to use the toilet.
Women Face Harassment at the Migrants’ Camps
Women around the migrants’ reception center say that they have experienced sexual harassment from those men who were staying there with them.
Wafae Atid, a 28-year-old woman from Morocco (Taza), told Reuters that she and several other women built a makeshift shelter for themselves from cardboard boxes and inflatable mattresses near a police vehicle.
She added that women were harassed and chased at night, and this made the camp unsafe.
Also, Atid mentioned that she sleeps during the day because she is too afraid of being attacked at night. It is reported that there is no separate shower facility for women.
15 Sexual Assaults Reported Since July 30
The biggest police union in Spain, SUP, reported 15 sexual assaults ranging in severity from July 30 in Ceuta.
Most victims are minors, and SUP said that many cases occurred on beaches and in woods where migrants have settled.
It has asked for more civilian patrols in the makeshift camps and a special police squad to protect women and families.
However, the Interior Ministry and police of Spain did not confirm the figure.
The health minister Mónica García said that the services provided by the medical department have helped five women who faced sexual violence and highlighted the need to provide secure accommodation for them.
Overcrowded Situation Makes Migrants Unsafe
These incidents have come as Ceuta has to deal with several migrants who have crossed into Ceuta.
This surge has put much pressure on the reception centers, with some migrants having to sleep out in the open.
In terms of safety, there have been further dangers posed to women and children due to the lack of proper and secure shelters.
There is increased pressure on Spanish officials to build more shelters where vulnerable migrants are able to have safe sleeping spaces, sanitary facilities, and access to medical assistance.
Women Say Fear Has Changed Their Lives
Atid explained that sleeping has become difficult for women due to the situation.
According to her, women living in the camp try to stay as close to the police as possible for safety reasons. She explained that some of the women are compelled to use makeshift accommodations because of the lack of designated housing.
Even with these conditions, Atid stated that she would prefer staying in Spain to returning to Morocco, as she left the latter country due to the rejection from her family because of her atheistic beliefs.
Dikra Tetouan, another 20-year-old migrant who came to Ceuta with her 17-year-old sister, Aya, explained that women in the camp were constantly harassed and sexually assaulted.
Vulnerability of Migrants in Morocco Becomes a Cause of Concern
The reported cases of sexual abuse have also raised concerns regarding the future of migrants and vulnerable minors in Ceuta.
Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi has appealed for a deal between Spain and Morocco concerning the repatriation of Moroccan migrants.
Ouahbi has said that any delay in the process of return of the migrants could make them more vulnerable to abuses and exploitation, especially minors and females.
This becomes a part of the larger problem of the differences between Spain and Morocco regarding the handling of migrants entering Ceuta.
Protecting Women in Ceuta
The reported cases of sexual assault have put additional pressure on the Spanish authorities to ensure better living conditions for migrants.
The Minister of Health, García, has emphasized that the security of housing is a key requirement to ensure the safety of women and children.
Apart from their uncertain situation concerning their future in Ceuta, the migrant families are vulnerable without any secure housing.
Humanitarian organizations and police unions have started calling for measures to be taken by the authorities to protect migrants.
Dive deeper into the Ceuta migrant crisis and its growing impact on Spain-Morocco relations.
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