Amnesty Urges Spain, Morocco to Protect Migrants’ Rights After Mass Ceuta Crossing

August 1, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Amnesty International has called on Spanish and Moroccan authorities to ensure the protection of migrants’ rights after tens of thousands of people, including children, crossed from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, with reports of 43 deaths. Esteban Beltrán, Director of Amnesty International Spain, said authorities must prioritise human rights obligations in responding to the situation, including guaranteeing access to asylum procedures for those seeking protection.

“We are monitoring this situation very closely. Spanish and Moroccan authorities must put their human rights obligations at the center of their response to the situation,” Beltrán said. “They must ensure access to the asylum system for those who request it and uphold the human rights of all migrants, irrespective of their mode of arrival, without discrimination.”

Ceuta authorities estimated that more than 60,000 people had crossed into the enclave, prompting Spain to deploy army units alongside police and Guardia Civil forces to manage the situation. Amnesty warned that the scale of arrivals should not affect legal protections for migrants, including the prohibition of collective expulsions and the principle of non-refoulement, which prevents authorities from returning people to places where they could face serious human rights risks.

“The large number of people arriving in Ceuta and the circumstances of crossings must not distract from the fact that under international law, the principle of non-refoulement is absolute and collective expulsions are prohibited in all cases,” Beltrán said. Reports indicate that thousands of people are sleeping on the streets as local services face pressure from the influx. Amnesty said Spanish authorities must provide adequate healthcare and social support, particularly for children and other groups vulnerable to rights violations.

The organisation also urged authorities to ensure that security forces operate within international standards, including rules governing the use of force, while warning against discriminatory responses targeting racialised communities and children. “All forces deployed must act in accordance with international law and standards, including with regards to the use of force,” Beltrán said. “Spanish authorities must also ensure that adequate healthcare and social care resources are deployed to respond to the needs of the people.” Amnesty said it would continue monitoring the border response for possible violations, including excessive use of force and breaches of obligations relating to asylum and protection from forced returns.

Source: FSX Business News