Government making plans to move 500 migrant girls from Ceuta

The Government is working on plans to transfer around 500 unaccompanied migrant girls from Ceuta to mainland Spain, as authorities seek to ease pressure on the city’s child protection system following last month’s mass arrivals.

The Ministry of Youth and Children says the girls are in a particularly vulnerable situation and that the priority is to guarantee their rights and provide appropriate accommodation and care.

The government says it is studying all available options, while stressing that any transfer must comply with Spanish and European law and take account of the best interests of each child.

The proposal has prompted criticism from the PP, while organisations including UNHCR have said moving the girls could help provide a more suitable environment for their care.