UNICEF Spain emphasized that no unaccompanied migrant child in Ceuta should be returned or transferred without an individual assessment of their situation and the protection guarantees required under Spanish and international law, according to Spanish news outlet Europa Press.
The organization called for prioritizing the identification of unaccompanied migrant children in Ceuta, describing the situation as serious following the mass arrivals on July 30 and 31.
UNICEF also called for exploring family reunification whenever possible, as well as transfers to mainland Spain.
It stressed that any decision about a child’s future should be assessed on a case-by-case basis by specialized professionals and guided by the child’s best interests.
The organization said repatriations must meet basic legal safeguards, including the right to be informed, heard, and receive legal assistance, as well as the right to appeal decisions.
Europa Press reported that UNICEF Spain Executive Director José María Vera said any return should only take place when it can be guaranteed that the child will be received in a safe and protective environment where their rights are respected.
Vera also stressed that the situation cannot be handled by Ceuta alone and called for “institutional solidarity and shared responsibility” among Spanish authorities.
The organization also highlighted the additional risks faced by unaccompanied girls, saying their age, gender, lack of family support, and vulnerable circumstances leave them particularly exposed to violence, abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.
UNICEF stressed that without proper identification and registration, these girls could remain outside existing protection systems and face serious risks.
It called on authorities to expand accommodation capacity, strengthen protection measures, and provide a response adapted to their specific needs.
The statement comes amid allegations of sexual assault involving underage Moroccan girls following the mass crossing into the Spanish-occupied city of Ceuta on July 30 and 31.
Spain’s National Police’s Family and Women’s Unit is already investigating five alleged rape cases involving Moroccan girls.
Spanish newspaper El País has also reported other allegations of sexual assault in different parts of Ceuta, citing testimonies from girls and local residents.
One case involved an alleged attempted sexual assault against a 12-year-old Moroccan girl, while two other teenage girls reported being targeted in an attempted sexual assault by a group of men.
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