August 24, 2018

Fences of shame on Europe’s southern border

located:	Morocco, Spain, Italy
editor:	Maria João Morais

Built 20 years ago, the two huge border fences that separate the Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla from Morocco, in order to halt the flow of migrants coming from North Africa seeking to enter Europe, are an example of the shameful walls that continue to be raised in attempts to stem immigration. In this case, they are a symbol of fortress Europe, which seeks to make it increasingly difficult for migrants to step foot on its soil, while at the same time, putting at risk the lives of those who try to scale it.

In recent months, Spain has become the main gateway for Sub-Saharan immigrants. Due to Italy's increasingly restrictive migration policy, the route of the western Mediterranean has taken greater importance. In July alone, the number of arrivals to Spanish coasts quadrupled. So far this year, 19,586 people have arrived in Spain by sea, according to the International Organisation for Migration. Meanwhile, there is also increasing pressure on the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, the only land borders between the European Union and Africa.

This week, a total of 116 migrants were able to enter Spanish territory after cutting part of the fence and storming the hurdle that separates Morocco from Ceuta. On July 26, another 602 jumped the same fence, making a total of 1,400 migrants who entered Spain this year in this way.

Since they were built, in 1998, the fences around Ceuta and Melilla have been strengthened and heightened (from 3 to 6 meters) with additional blades, making it more difficult for migrants to scale, which in recent years has caused deaths and many serious injuries.

Meanwhile, the new Spanish government, led by Pedro Sánchez, has pledged to work on an alternative to the "blades" ornating the walls, to make it "less harmful" for migrants, while maintaining the goal of "avoiding jumps." However, despite the initial greater openness of the Socialist Government to receive refugees (as demonstrated when it took in the 630 migrant onboard the rescue ship Aquarius), the recent and sudden expulsion of the 116 sub-Saharans who stormed the fence this week, raises doubts on Sánchez's commitment to absolutely guaranteeing migrants’ human rights.

Photo: Concord Europe