By Heba Girgis
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa
RABAT, Morocco—Very early on Tuesday morning, September 4, 2012, several units of Spain’s paramilitary Civil Guard rounded up a group of hopeful African immigrants on a small and uninhabited island on the North African coast. After securing the group, the Spanish paramilitary shipped them off back to the shores of Morocco—a country that is only a few dozen yards away from their rocky sanctuary.
The Spanish media has reported that ten “would be” immigrants—two mothers and eight children—would be allowed to remain on the territory per an agreement between Spain and Morocco. The approximately seventy others were taken back to Morocco and now face a possibility of expulsion to a no-man’s land region between Morocco and its neighbor, Algeria.
Describing the failure of this small group of African migrants attempting to escape to what they believe to be the prosperity of Europe, Spain’s El Mundo said, “Thus ended the dreams of dozens of sub-Saharans.”
This type of incident highlights the lengths to which people will go to fight for a better future. However, it also shows that authorities will create obstacles for these migrants. European governments are facing pressure to stop illegal immigration as it seems to be putting even more pressure on the scarce resources of the continent as the economies of southern European countries are struggling themselves.
The capture of these migrants was the outcome of an overnight joint operation by both Spanish and Moroccan authorities only several days after more than two dozen undocumented Africans either swam or waded across the narrow channel that connects Morocco to Isla de Tierra. Isla de Tierra is a remnant of Spanish presence in Northern Africa along with other enclaves along the African coast.
Although these European countries are trying to protect themselves in these situations, human rights groups have criticized these nations and have expressed concern that in doing so, they are neglecting the rights of migrants especially those who may have a real case for asylum.
Amnesty International, a world-wide organization, has estimated that 600,000 men, women and children have been detained in Europe each year for immigration and migration control reasons. The organization noted that, “There has been a growing trend of ‘criminalization’ of irregular migration in Europe.” Amnesty International also said, “Today, Europe is failing to promote and respect the rights of migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees” and that, “Hostility is widespread and mistreatment often goes unreported.”
A Moroccan human rights group made the argument that the state is responsible for the safety and security of these migrants. However, instead of being handed over to the government they are subjected to beatings, by both the authorities and hired thugs or as stated before, they are sent to the border near Algeria.
According to many different human rights organizations, there are between 20,000 and 25,000 unregistered sub-Saharan immigrants currently living in Morocco who may also try to flee to what they believe to be more opportunity in southern Europe.
For further information, please see:
Radio Netherlands Worldwide – Rights Group Slams Morocco Expulsion of Immigrants – 6 September 2012
Zimbabwe Independent – Human Rights Group Slams Morocco Government – 6 September 2012
ANSA Med – Immigration: Morocco Expels 200 Sub-Saharan Migrants – 4 September 2012
International Herald Tribune – On the Fringes of Europe, a Crackdown on Migrants
