A delegation of Left MEPs will visit the Canary Islands from November 19-21, 2024, to address the ongoing situation with unaccompanied migrant children. The situation of unaccompanied children in the Canary Islands has become a growing humanitarian concern. Thousands of children, many of whom are fleeing conflict, poverty, and instability in their home countries, are arriving alone on the islands. These children are often left in vulnerable conditions upon arrival, facing inadequate shelter, lack of resources, and limited access to education and healthcare. Unfortunately, the attempt by the central government to put in place a mandatory relocation of unaccompanied children to the mainland has been voted down by the right-wing of the Spanish Congress.

The mission aims to engage with civil society, local authorities, and key stakeholders to better understand the situation and facilitate a more coordinated European response to this urgent issue.

The MEPs will also engage in dialogue with local authorities to ensure a unified European approach, focusing on the protection and social inclusion of these vulnerable children.

Participating MEPs:

• Estrella Galán, SUMAR, Spain
• Pernando Barrena, EH Bildu, Basque Country, Spain
• Isabel Serra, Podemos, Spain
• Rima Hassan, La France Insoumise, France
• Joao Oliveira, PCP, Portugal

This mission will provide vital insight into the current conditions faced by unaccompanied minors in the Canary Islands, and the MEPs will continue advocating for stronger European action to protect these vulnerable children. 

At the end of the mission, Left MEPs will hold a press point on Thursday 21 November at 11:15AM in front of Government office – (Calle Profesor Agustín Millares Carló, 18.)