The Supreme Court has stepped in, urging the Spanish government to quickly provide care for around a thousand unaccompanied minors seeking asylum in the Canary Islands.
The court has given a 10-day window, with a possibility of extension, for the government to ensure these children are integrated into the National Reception System.
This comes after the Canary Islands Government pushed for action, highlighting the need for these youngsters, who have either applied for or intend to apply for international protection, to receive proper support.
The court's decision stresses the importance of collaboration between the Canary Islands and the central government to prioritize the well-being of these minors.
Earlier, the Canary Islands had appealed to the Supreme Court following an alleged dismissal of their request for help from the central government. They sought quick access to the international protection reception system for these children, in line with legal asylum obligations.
The State Attorney's Office had opposed this precautionary measure, but the court recognised the current shortcomings in the State system. It noted the overcrowded conditions faced by these minors as unacceptable and not in their best interest. The ruling highlights the need for the State to activate its comprehensive reception system for asylum seekers, as laid out by existing laws.
This system, managed by the Secretary of State for Migration, is designed to ensure that asylum seekers receive essential social services to meet their basic needs with dignity. The Supreme Court's intervention is a vital step towards addressing the urgent needs of unaccompanied minors seeking refuge in the Canary Islands.
