The Moroccan League for the Defense of Human Rights has submitted a report on alleged abuses linked to the late-July migration crossings toward Ceuta and Melilla to several United Nations human rights mechanisms, calling for an independent investigation and clearer accountability.
The group said it sent the report to the UN special rapporteurs on the human rights of migrants, torture, racism, violence against women and girls, trafficking in persons and extrajudicial or arbitrary executions.
It also referred the findings to other UN mechanisms dealing with children’s rights and other issues raised by the documented incidents, the organization said.
League President Adel Tchikito said the referrals were intended to move the findings beyond Morocco’s domestic debate and place them before bodies able to examine alleged cross-border violations involving more than one authority.
“The seriousness of what happened requires moving from conflicting figures and accounts to establishing the truth and determining responsibility,” Tchikito said.
The organization said it had also sent the full report to Spain’s ambassador in Rabat, together with a formal letter seeking answers over incidents that occurred in areas under Spanish administration.
The report calls for an independent and transparent investigation, accountability where responsibility is established, protection for children, women and migrants from violence and discrimination, and inquiries into allegations of assault and mistreatment.
It also calls for authorities to determine the fate of missing people and ensure access to medical care, food and adequate shelter.
According to the league, its report compiled available information on the attempted crossings, including reported deaths and injuries, humanitarian conditions, treatment of migrants, the situation of children and women, and allegations involving violence, discrimination and hate speech.
Tchikito said the organization did not want the incidents reduced to migration statistics once media attention faded, arguing that victims and families were still waiting for answers.
The filing adds to efforts by Moroccan rights groups to bring allegations surrounding the July border events before international human rights bodies, while seeking scrutiny of the conduct of authorities on both sides of the border.
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