Morocco and Spain are discussing a mechanism for repatriating minors of Moroccan descent who entered the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta illegally, Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi said.
“Morocco insists on the return of all its minor citizens, and we have no problem with their return, provided their identity is confirmed,” Ouahbi was quoted as saying by the Hespress news portal on Monday.
The minister noted that Moroccan authorities view these teenagers not as criminals, but as victims of human smugglers .
According to him, criminal prosecution should primarily target smuggling and human trafficking networks, as well as those involved in violence and arson.
Ouahbi also stated that during recent events, authorities tried to avoid violent confrontations with teenagers and acted in a manner that did not endanger them.
In late July, the Spanish enclave of Ceuta experienced a massive influx of migrants from neighboring Morocco. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said that approximately 72,000 migrants had entered the Spanish territory on the North African coast, and about 70,000 had since gone back to Morocco. Moroccan authorities estimated that about 40,000 people had entered the Spanish enclave.