Human Rights Watch has called on Spain and authorities in Ceuta to provide adequate shelter, food, sanitation and legal assistance to migrants and asylum seekers who entered the Spanish territory from Morocco last month.
HRW said thousands of migrants are still living on streets and in makeshift shelters, leaving them exposed to unsafe conditions, including sexual violence. The organization urged Spain to allow those seeking asylum to formally submit their claims.
The group conducted a four-day assessment in Ceuta from August 15 to 18. Local organizations told HRW that as many as 10,000 migrants could still be in the city, although the exact number remains unclear.
Spain has announced four temporary tent camps with capacity for about 1,500 adults, and transfers to two of the sites have begun. However, some migrants interviewed by HRW alleged that authorities were deliberately delaying assistance in an effort to encourage people to return to Morocco.
HRW also reported that many migrants, including women and girls, lack access to basic sanitation. Some have reportedly been forced to use parks and the sea because of shortages of toilets and showers.
Spanish authorities said they were distributing about 4,000 food packages daily, while the local charity Luna Blanca reported providing between 2,700 and 3,500 meals each day at five locations with government support.
The organization expressed particular concern about the lack of legal procedures for adults. As of August 20, HRW said it had seen no indication that Spanish authorities had begun formal assessments, raising fears that migrants could remain in legal uncertainty.
The migrants interviewed included people from Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen, Chad and Senegal. Many said they wanted to seek asylum in Spain after making lengthy and difficult journeys.
HRW said European Union rules require Spanish authorities to screen new arrivals, including security, health and vulnerability checks, to identify people who may need international protection.
The situation involving unaccompanied children has also raised concern. Local authorities said they had taken responsibility for 1,385 children as of August 18, while Spain's Interior Ministry reported that police had registered 2,168 unaccompanied minors.
With Ceuta's population standing at around 85,000, tensions are reportedly increasing amid fears that the crisis could lead to violence.
HRW urged Spanish authorities to reject calls for mass deportations and instead comply with international law by assessing asylum and protection claims individually and treating migrants with dignity.
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