Human Rights Watch urges Spain to provide asylum in Ceuta

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Spanish government to provide shelter and access to asylum procedures for thousands of migrants stranded in Ceuta. Following a mass arrival from the Moroccan border in late July, many individuals have been living on the streets for nearly three weeks in an indefinite legal status.

An HRW investigation conducted in mid-August reported that authorities have not yet initiated individual legal evaluations or asylum processes for adults. The organization warned that migrants, including unaccompanied minors and women fleeing violence, are facing severe shortages of food, sanitation, and clothing, while being exposed to sexual violence.

While the Spanish government has provided certain figures, local organizations suggest the number of migrants in Ceuta could reach 10,000. Judith Sunderland, HRW’s associate director for refugee and migrant rights, urged Spain to mobilize resources for a humane management of the crisis and to uphold international legal obligations despite political pressures.