Reacting to the crossing of tens of thousands of people, including children, from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta and the reported deaths of 43 people, Esteban Beltrán, Director of Amnesty International Spain, said:
"We are monitoring this situation very closely. Spanish and Moroccan authorities must put their human rights obligations at the centre of their response to the situation. They must ensure access to the asylum system for those who request it and uphold the human rights of all migrants, irrespective of their mode of arrival, without discrimination.
"The large number of people arriving in Ceuta and the circumstances of crossings must not distract from the fact that under international law, the principle of non-refoulement is absolute and collective expulsions are prohibited in all cases.
Spanish and Moroccan authorities must put their human rights obligations at the centre of their response to the situationEsteban Beltrán, Amnesty International Spain
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"All forces deployed must act in accordance with international law and standards, including with regards to the use of force. Spanish authorities must also ensure that adequate healthcare and social care resources are deployed to respond to the needs of the people, including to cater for the needs of children and others at increased risk of human rights violations.
"Amnesty International calls on Spanish authorities to take necessary steps to prevent discriminatory impacts in their response to the situation, particularly on racialized people and children, and condemn the spread of racist rhetoric."
Background
Ceuta authorities stated that over 60,000 people are estimated to have crossed. Spain has deployed army units in Ceuta to support the police and the Guardia Civil.
Reports indicate that thousands of people are sleeping on the streets. Amnesty International will continue to monitor the situation for any evidence of human rights violations in border control, such as excessive use of force or violations including in the obligation of non-refoulement.
