Moroccan rights group calls for aid for minors attempting to reach Europe

The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) has called on the government to do more to improve the situation of young Moroccans in the port of Beni Ensar, near the city of Nador.

The association published pictures on its Facebook page showing the situation of minors who stay in the city awaiting an opportunity to journey into Europe “via merchandise ships or trucks”.

Boys are seen sleeping rough in the harbour with only fish nets as a source of protection as they await any opportunity to travel to Europe.

Around 200 and 300 minors are believed to come from across Morocco and are left to their own devices in finding ways to remain in the harbour city until they can make the crossing.

“There is a reception centre for them in the city, but for the time being there are only five boys living there, the rest do not have any help from the city,” the human rights group explained.

Hundreds of young Moroccans have made the illegal journey from Nador over the last few years – two have reportedly died making the journey.

Read more: Migrants left stranded between Algeria-Morocco border

Spain has reported an increase in the number of Moroccans arriving in the Spanish enclave of Melilla and the Iberian coast by hiding in the bottom of trucks.

Minors are often the most vulnerable of migrants and are left to fend for themselves in finding a better economic situation for their families by travelling abroad.

According to the European Statistical Centre (Eurostat) 63,000 unaccompanied minors this year entered Europe – more than half coming from Syria and Afghanistan. Thousands have travelled from Libya, a popular destination for migrants to attempt to reach Europe, and arrived in Italy which is struggling with the numbers.

The German Federal Agency for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has reportedly had plans to build two reception centres in Morocco to deport underage refugees involved in criminal activities.

The centres will also be open to homeless Moroccan minors and unaccompanied underage asylum seekers who wish to leave Germany.