A 17-year-old named Ikram shared with CBC that she is back on the streets of Ceuta after a brief period of finding temporary accommodation with a family. Ikram left Fnideq, Morocco, in July along with thousands of others hoping to cross into Ceuta for a chance at legal residency in Europe.
Many migrants who arrived in Ceuta during the surge in July have since returned to Morocco, but there are still an estimated 5,000 migrants in Ceuta according to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Among those remaining are hundreds of unaccompanied minors, including Ikram, living in precarious conditions.
According to Save the Children Spain, the Spanish Ministry of the Interior has registered 2,500 children and adolescents in Ceuta, with the actual number potentially higher. Most of the minors are from Morocco, although there are also minors from other countries, especially from sub-Saharan Africa.
Ikram’s journey to Ceuta was not planned, as she decided to join a friend crossing the border. She faced a dangerous situation at the border, witnessing fatalities and nearly drowning herself before being rescued by a boy. Despite the challenges, Ikram is determined to stay in Ceuta to pursue a better future for herself and her family.
The situation in Ceuta is dire, especially for unaccompanied minors and families without stable shelter. Tensions have escalated in recent weeks, with reports of violence by soldiers and civilians against migrants. The unrest has led to protests and clashes in the enclave.
Ikram’s story reflects the struggles faced by many migrants in Ceuta, highlighting the need for humanitarian assistance and long-term solutions to address the plight of those stranded in the enclave.